Exclusive: UnitedHealth's big doctor pay disparity

A STAT investigation found that UnitedHealth pays its own physician groups considerably more than others, driving up consumer costs and its profits

Log In    Subscribe Exclusive   UnitedHealth pays its own physician groups considerably more than others, driving up consumer costs and its profits By Bob Herman, Tara Bannow, Casey Ross, and Lizzy Lawrence UnitedHealth Group is paying many of its own physician practices significantly more than it pays other doctor groups in the same markets for similar services, undermining competition and driving up costs for consumers and businesses, a STAT investigation reveals.     The higher prices reward UnitedHealth at the expense of almost everyone else. Patients end up paying more when they see their doctors and struggle to afford recommended follow-up care. Employers counting on the insurance giant to control ever-rising costs get little or no relief.   And doctors trying to compete with UnitedHealth's practices find themselves frozen out of the higher rates the company is paying its own providers, making it more difficult to remain independent and keep their doors open. READ MORE Sign up for Health Care Inc. Unpacking the business — and secretive inner workings — of the U.S. health care industry. Learn more. Explore the Health Care's Colossus series How UnitedHealth harnesses its physician empire to squeeze profits out of patients By Bob Herman, Tara Bannow, Casey Ross, and Lizzy Lawrence How UnitedHealth turned a questionable artery-screening program into a gold mine By Bob Herman, Tara Bannow, Casey Ross, and Lizzy Lawrence UnitedHealth pledged a hands-off approach after buying a Connecticut medical group. Then it upended how doctors practice By Bob Herman, Tara Bannow, Casey Ross, and Lizzy Lawrence Inside UnitedHealth's strategy to pressure physicians: $10,000 bonuses and a doctor leaderboard By Bob Herman, Tara Bannow, Casey Ross, and Lizzy Lawrence Don't miss out on another STAT Investigation Unlock the world of health and medicine with a subscription to STAT+ Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2024, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us