In the environment of ever-increasing healthcare costs and utilization, a Mayo Clinic study found that patients use less unnecessary healthcare when they bear more of the financial responsibility for it… After the consumer cost-sharing bump, Mayo saw a large drop in the use of diagnostic testing and outpatient procedures over four years, as well as an immediate drop in imaging utilization. Specialists saw a decrease in visits as well, according to the study in the November issue of Health Affairs.

FierceHealthcare, Alicia Caramenico, 11/10/11

Tags: Health Policy