The Norwich Union car insurance company in the UK opened its own clinic to treat whiplash patients. They offer physical therapy focused on rapid recovery. As it's their own clinic they can offer treatment without requiring any payment from the injured party, which cuts down on paperwork and increases customer satisfaction.
Of course the usual problem occurs: they've nibbled away at disaggregation of authority. The people who authorize the course of treatment, who determine what therapies are effective, and make other medical decisions all work for the people who foot the bill and have an enormous incentive to decrease costs. By removing the usual separation they've incurred some distrust.
It's an interesting development to watch. If this innovation comes to the US, I would expect to see an outside organization certify that treatment is correct and appropriate.
Topics: · health+care
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