The Incursion Of Profit-Enhancing Middlemen In US Health Care
The U.S. health care system’s lack of regulation over provider pricing and insurer claims has led to a rise in profit-driven middlemen, such as revenue cycle management firms. While these intermediaries aim to maximize reimbursements for providers, they often increase costs for consumers and complicate access to care. This complex environment underscores the urgent need for regulatory oversight to address the inefficiencies and rising expenses in the system. In their latest piece for Health Affairs Forefront, Linda J. Blumberg and Kennah Watts break down the effect of middlemen on US health care.