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Article: Blue Cross of Rhode Island Plans Overhaul of Mental-Health Payment System.(Originated from Providence Journal-Bulletin, R.I.)
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
- Article date:
- December 5, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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PROVIDENCE, R.I.--Dec. 5--Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island is planning an overhaul of the way it pays for and manages mental-health services, causing a stir among mental-health therapists who fear lower reimbursements and reduced choices for their patients.
The new plan, to go into effect April 1, calls for a financial arrangement called "capitation," in which Blue Cross will pay a flat amount per patient. It also allows for, but does not mandate, a reduction in the number of mental-health providers who can treat certain Blue Cross patients.
Both changes, mental-health professionals assert, threaten their ability to provide good care ...