The opportunity to have Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) has been a huge step in the right direction. But regulation of these accounts is way too limiting. For example, employers cannot fund the accounts and then let employees choose a concierge doctor, who is available 24/7 by phone or email and provides all primary care. That makes no sense, especially when the cost of high-quality, concierge care these days is no more than $50 per month for a middle-aged adult.
Have you ever wondered why you can’t talk to your doctor by phone or by email? Or why a doctor can’t examine you in your own home using a phone app? Or why specialists at our top hospitals aren’t using telemedicine for long-distance examinations of patients all over the country? Or why it’s so hard to combine ordinary health insurance with a concierge doctor?