Post by Logan on May 9, 2017 1:00:38 GMT -6
BOSTON -- The MassHealth program could save nearly $20 million per year by allowing optometrists to treat glaucoma and other eye infections, according to a study conducted by a former MassHealth director for the trade group of optometrists.
The study, by former MassHealth chief Tom Dehner of Health Management Associates, found the bulk of savings would stem from allowing optometrists, not just opthamologists, to treat styes, ocular rosacea and dry eye ($9.4 million) and reducing eye-related emergency room visits ($6.4 million).
The Massachusetts Society of Optometrists is using the study results to back their push for bills that they say would curb duplicate services, spare state costs associated with more expensive specialists, and reduce burdens placed on hospital emergency rooms.
"It's clear that bringing Massachusetts in line with the other 49 states' eyecare practices would be a win-win for patients and the state budget," Matthew Forgues, president of the optometrists' society, said in a statement to the News Service. "Patients get more convenient, excellent, faster care, while the state saves significant money on its Medicaid reimbursements."
Read more: www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_30974048/optometrists-pitch-20-million-masshealth-savings#ixzz4gYwHRB5M
The study, by former MassHealth chief Tom Dehner of Health Management Associates, found the bulk of savings would stem from allowing optometrists, not just opthamologists, to treat styes, ocular rosacea and dry eye ($9.4 million) and reducing eye-related emergency room visits ($6.4 million).
The Massachusetts Society of Optometrists is using the study results to back their push for bills that they say would curb duplicate services, spare state costs associated with more expensive specialists, and reduce burdens placed on hospital emergency rooms.
"It's clear that bringing Massachusetts in line with the other 49 states' eyecare practices would be a win-win for patients and the state budget," Matthew Forgues, president of the optometrists' society, said in a statement to the News Service. "Patients get more convenient, excellent, faster care, while the state saves significant money on its Medicaid reimbursements."
Read more: www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_30974048/optometrists-pitch-20-million-masshealth-savings#ixzz4gYwHRB5M