Recently United Healthcare Corporation (UHC) made significant cuts that will affect many Coloradoans. UHC announced a fee schedule to physical and occupational therapists that is below what it costs to provide for those patients, forcing many therapists across the state to opt out.

It amazes me to see insurance companies boost profits and at the same time provide limited care for patients. Recently, UHC's CEO stepped down after his $1.6 billion (yes, that is a B) in stock options became public. Last week, UHC fourth quarter earnings were announced at $1.2 billion.

Studies show that physical therapy greatly benefits patients and health care providers. Going to a physical therapist first can significantly reduce patient downtime and cost of treatment. In fact, the savings in time and money can be as much as 50% over more traditional treatment routes, which include visits to primary care doctors, expensive MRIs and x-rays and visits to orthopedic specialists, before a trip to a physical therapist.

It would seem, then, that most health insurance companies would want to facilitate that process. Of course, they would if their motive was directed at improving the lives of their customers rather than their CEO and shareholders. One thing is for certain: Health care insurance does not exist to serve the patient.

Tim Flynn,
Associate Professor, Regis University

This story was posted by Kristen Blessman,Associate Director for Media Relations, Regis University