Want a free trip to Florida or California from your employer? No problem! Just break a leg (literally).
Kroger and Wal-Mart are among employers now sending their staff on all-expenses paid trips to get medical care. As described in this LA Times article, costs for routine operations can vary widely depending on the care provider. For example, Kroger found that one hospital in particular can provide hip and knee replacement surgeries at up to 15% lower cost than other providers - while maintaining the same quality in care. This savings in cost more than covers the cost of trip expenses to receive care at the hospital, which is located in Irvine, CA. Additionally, there is the element of predictability - employers contract with each selected provider to pay a fixed-rate per surgery, or "episode" of care - the oh-so-trendy "bundled" payment.
Are bundled payments the future of healthcare? I just can't wait to find out - I know you feel the same way!
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