<div class="" data-article-body="true"><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Have you ever noticed a sign in a doctor’s office saying that you may have to pay extra insurance costs if you discuss additional problems with your physician?</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">If so, you’re not alone. As health care spending continues to rise, providers are being asked to warn patients about any potential unexpected costs – for example, insurance charges for additional services at an otherwise fully covered annual wellness visit.</p><figure class="relative mb-4"><div class="relative"><img alt="A sign labeled &amp;#39;Attention: Important insurance information&amp;#39; reads &amp;#39;Our office does NOT want you to be surprised by a bill, but we must ALWAYS report to your health plan the actual services rendered.&amp;#39;" loading="lazy" width="400" height="416" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="rounded-lg" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LlyZpVvws51HU0dU597YXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTczMztjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_conversation_us_articles_815/bb10aaf6ccc196ab14faf9fa546352e5"></div><figcaption class="relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5"><div style="max-height:none;overflow:visible">The sign that inspired it all. Helen Colby</div></figcaption></figure><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">But our research shows these warning signs <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0272989X241275645" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:could have an unintended consequence;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">could have an unintended consequence</a>, discouraging patients from speaking openly with their doctors.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="https://kelley.iu.edu/faculty-research/faculty-directory/profile.html?id=hcolby" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:We are professors;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">We are professors</a> <a href="https://www.depts.ttu.edu/rawlsbusiness/people/faculty/marketing/deidre-popovich/index.php" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:who research how people;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">who research how people</a> <a href="https://kelley.iu.edu/faculty-research/faculty-directory/profile.html?id=tostoval" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:make spending decisions;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">make spending decisions</a> and were inspired to study this issue by real signs at a university-affiliated health care office. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.5293" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Other researchers have found;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Other researchers have found</a> many reasons why people hesitate to speak openly with their doctors, and we wondered whether these signs might be another factor. So we conducted some experiments.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">In two studies, we found that when people saw an insurance warning sign, they were less willing to raise a wide variety of issues during a physical exam. These included both short-term issues such as headaches, fatigue and arthritis pain in the finger joints, and previously diagnosed, chronic conditions including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and asthma.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">In a third study, we tested whether it was what the sign said – or just the mere presence of a sign mentioning costs – that made people reluctant to speak up. We showed participants either no sign, an insurance warning sign, or a sign about a prescription drug discount program, which was also modeled after a real sign in the same doctor’s office. Only people who saw the insurance sign were less likely to speak up.</p><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">Why it matters</h2><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Frank conversations between patients and providers are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.165.20.2378" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:essential for good health care;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">essential for good health care</a>. They allow providers to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327027hc0604_2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:tailor medications;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">tailor medications</a>, reduce side effects and find treatments that are right for each patient. What’s more, treating issues earlier rather than later <a href="https://doi.org/10.2196/16713" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:generally leads to better outcomes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">generally leads to better outcomes</a> and costs less in the long run.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">We found that insurance warning signage, no matter how necessary or well intended, can discourage patients from sharing important health information. This could cause delays in important care, leading to unnecessary discomfort and stress as patients suffer with untreated issues.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Health care offices need to include certain insurance disclosures to inform patients of their rights under the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:No Surprises Act;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">No Surprises Act</a>, which took effect in 2022. However, providers and administrators should be aware that their patients may often have cost concerns.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Doctors’ offices can try to find ways to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2022.04.005" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:communicate potential insurance costs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">communicate potential insurance costs</a> while also encouraging patients to have open and honest discussions with their providers. The signage at the office that inspired this work had many words bolded and underlined, which may have made it feel especially aggressive to some patients.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">It’s important for patients to know that they should never ignore symptoms. In fact, raising a concern as early as possible with a doctor or another health care provider can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-013-2543-9" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:save more money down the road;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">save more money down the road</a>.</p><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">What still isn’t known</h2><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">We weren’t able to study the long-term impacts of such signs, and it’s possible they have even more negative effects than we uncovered – for example, by making patients reluctant to have <a href="https://www.macombmedicalclinicpc.com/blog/why-you-should-never-skip-your-annual-wellness-exam" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:annual wellness visits;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">annual wellness visits</a>.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">It’s also unclear <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/can-physicians-bill-both-preventive-and-em-services-same-visit" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:how often health care professionals actually report;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">how often health care professionals actually report</a> such conversations to insurers, especially when the issues are brought up briefly during a checkup and don’t require additional testing or treatment at that time.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">But the research is clear on one point: When patients feel they can speak freely to their doctors, they get better care. That’s why doctors and other health care professionals should be aware that even well-intended warning signs may encourage patients to keep silent.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><em>The <a href="https://theconversation.com/us/topics/research-brief-83231" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Research Brief;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Research Brief</a> is a short take on interesting academic work.</em></p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com/us?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=related-link-0&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Conversation;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Conversation</a>, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/helen-colby-887141?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=byline-link&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Helen Colby;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Helen Colby</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/indiana-university-1368?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=byline-link&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Indiana University;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Indiana University</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deidre-popovich-1387579?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=byline-link&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Deidre Popovich;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Deidre Popovich</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/texas-tech-university-1801?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=byline-link&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Texas Tech University;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Texas Tech University</a></em>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tony-stovall-2446607?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=byline-link&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tony Stovall;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tony Stovall</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/indiana-university-1368?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=byline-link&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Indiana University;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Indiana University</a></em> </em></p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><strong>Read more:</strong><br></p><ul class="mb-4"><li class="ml-4 list-disc"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="http://theconversation.com/5-of-the-most-frustrating-health-insurer-tactics-and-why-they-exist-245929?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=related-link0&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:5 of the most frustrating health insurer tactics and why they exist;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">5 of the most frustrating health insurer tactics and why they exist</a></p></div></li><li class="ml-4 list-disc"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="http://theconversation.com/how-17m-americans-enrolled-in-medicaid-and-aca-plans-could-lose-their-health-insurance-by-2034-260664?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=related-link1&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How 17M Americans enrolled in Medicaid and ACA plans could lose their health insurance by 2034;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">How 17M Americans enrolled in Medicaid and ACA plans could lose their health insurance by 2034</a></p></div></li><li class="ml-4 list-disc"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="http://theconversation.com/how-artificial-intelligence-controls-your-health-insurance-coverage-253602?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=related-link2&amp;utm_content=article-262303" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage</a></p></div></li></ul><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><em><span>Deidre Popovich has received grant funding from BlueCross BlueShield of Texas and Providence Health. </span></em></p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><em><span>Helen Colby and Tony Stovall do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p></div>

Those signs about surprise insurance charges are intended to keep patients informed – but new research points to a negative side effect.

Insurance warning signs in doctors’ offices might discourage patients from speaking openly about their health

Cleaning your teeth is a basic piece of day to day oral cleanliness. Nonetheless, with a plenty of choices accessible, picking the


Figure out How to Pick the Right Toothbrush for You


Style is a steadily advancing industry, with originators continually pushing limits and starting new precedents. Every year, a select gathering of


Top 10 Moving Style Architects of the Year


Explainer-What will change with the US reclassification of marijuana?

Dec 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Health Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy approves adding two rare disorders to newborn screenings

Dental inserts represent a progressive step in dental rebuilding, emulating the usefulness and presence of normal teeth with striking accuracy.


Step by step instructions to Guarantee the Life span of Your Dental Inserts: Support and Care Guide


Preschool programs assume a urgent part in a kid's turn of events, expecting to furnish them with a large number of abilities


Understanding Preschool Projects: An Extensive Aide


Three Chinese astronauts have been forced to extend their six-month stay in space over concerns their return ship may have been hit by debris, China’s space agency said.

Chinese astronauts’ return to Earth delayed over fears spaceship damaged by debris

By Will Dunham WASHINGTON, Dec 3 (Reuters) - An exponential increase in the number of satellites placed in low-Earth orbit has brought advances in telecommunications including broadband access in

NASA study shows how satellite 'light pollution' hinders space telescopes

(Reuters) -Global measles cases fell 71% to 11 ​million from the year 2000 to 2024, ‌driven by improved vaccination coverage, the World Health Organization ‌said in a report on Friday. Vaccination has prevented nearly 59 million deaths globally during this period, according to the report.

Global measles cases drop 71% in 24 years as vaccination coverage improves, WHO says

In the statement, Katz indicated that combat soldiers and other conscripts who are already serving and scheduled to complete their service during 2026 may have to delay their discharge from the IDF. The standard amount of service time for an IDF soldier is to be extended from 30-32 months to 36 months, according to a plan being prepared by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich , the pair announced in a Friday morning statement following the approval of the state budg

Defense Minister Katz moves to extend IDF service to 36 months

Design has consistently assumed a huge part in the public eye, reflecting social developments, individual articulation, and snapshots of creative splendor. All through


The 25 Most Notable Style Crossroads in History


By Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Dogs today come in a mind-blowing array of shapes and sizes, from the diminutive pug, Pekingese and Pomeranian to the grand Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane and Saint

Doggie diversity in size and shape began at least 11,000 years ago

These superstitions are all about having your best year.

New Year's superstitions: Eating 12 grapes, avoiding laundry and other rituals that are said to bring good fortune

Computer games have forever been a famous type of diversion, and playing with companions or against different players adds a
