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Previous Volume 336:1750-1751 June 12, 1997 Number 24 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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The use of cost-sharing strategies such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance by health insurance plans is controversial. In shifting a portion of health care expenses from the insurance purchaser or provider to the patient, cost sharing invariably reduces the demand for services.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8} Proponents suggest that attention to costs leads patients to reduce inappropriate use of services selectively, without curtailing needed care. However, distinguishing appropriate from inappropriate visits on the basis of symptoms is not always straightforward, even for health professionals.⁹ Unless cost sharing can be directed solely at inappropriate care, there is concern that some patients will delay seeking needed . . . [Full Text of this Article]

References

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Wong, M. D., Andersen, R., Sherbourne, C. D., Hays, R. D., Shapiro, M. F. (2001). Effects of Cost Sharing on Care Seeking and Health Status: Results From the Medical Outcomes Study. AJPH 91: 1889-1894 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Grazier, K. L., Pollack, H. (2000). Translating Behavioral Health Services Research into Benefits Policy. Med Care Res Rev 57: 53-71 [Abstract]  
• Soumerai, S. B., Ross-Degnan, D., Taylor, J. M., Magid, D. J., Koepsell, T. D., Wagner, E. H., Weaver, W. D. (1997). Insurance Copayments and Delays in Seeking Emergency Care. NEJM 337: 1247-1248 [Full Text]