5.13.2010
Joint Health Care Committee Notes
2:00 – 3:00 pm via video and telephone
Present: Union: J. Sowell, (6070, phone); Jennifer Madsen (6070 Alternate, phone); Rich
Seifert (UNAC), Tim Hinterberger (UNAC), Carl Shepro (UNAC President ex-officio)
Union Staff: Cyndee West, Jessica Hintermeister, Jamison Klagmann
Management: Beth Behner, Yvonne Boyce, Wendy Tisland (Alternate), Lisa Sporleder
(Alternate), Gwenna Richardson, Stuart Roberts
Administration Staff: Mike Humphrey, Erika Van Flein
Absent: Union: Gail Opalinski (UAFT Alternate), Tim Powers, (UAFT); Jane Weber (UAFT)
Jacob Joseph (UNAC). Colin Clausson (6070)
GUEST: Ryan Schoenecker of Best Doctors by phone
Introductions of attendees were made.
Presentation by Ryan Schoenecker of Best Doctors:
Best Doctors’ mission is to improve the quality and cost of care by helping people be sure they have
the right diagnosis and treatment. Best Doctors has served more than 15 million members in 30
countries since 1989.
While there are numerous reasons why a patient might call Best Doctors, most do so because a) they
have been given multiple diagnoses and are uncertain of which to choose or b) they aren’t
responding to a current treatment. With a staff of expert physicians on hand, Best Doctors is able to
take the extra time required to review case histories in depth to ensure that both diagnosis and
treatment are correct. A correct treatment ultimately lowers medical costs while improving the life
of the patient. A significant benefit for Alaskans is that out-of-state travel isn’t required to be
connected with a specialist.
Some statistics provided by Best Doctors regarding the state of US healthcare:
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One in five U.S. patients is treated based on an incorrect diagnosis
Patients receive the proper diagnosis and treatment only about 55% of the time
As much as $0.30 of every health care dollar is spent on medical treatment that is
unnecessary, ineffective, duplicative or even harmful
Some statistics provided by Best Doctors regarding their results:
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22% of the time there is a change in diagnosis
61% of the time there is a change in treatment
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38% of the time a recommended surgery is found to be unneeded
45% of cancer case treatments are modified
Presentation Q&A
Is Best Doctors’ service mandatory for employees?
Mandatory use of this service would be illegal. Best Doctors offers training for insurance
companies and healthcare providers so that everyone in the healthcare chain is informed as
to when Best Doctors’ service might be most useful. Incentive programs can be coordinated
with UA’s vendors. Depending on the type of use and condition being treated, this might
amount from a $25 to $100 rebate. Such incentives generally result in an 8% to 10% increase
in utilization of Best Doctors’ service.
How long is the turn around when using Best Doctors?
Generally the service will take 7 to 10 business days from start to finish. The biggest factor
is how long it takes to collect the patient’s medical records. Emergency cases or those
involving an imminent surgery are expedited.
How do you deal with doctors’ egos when a diagnosis is overturned?
Doctors are usually receptive for several reasons. Most importantly, this conversation
occurs between the attending physician and the experts who work for Best Doctors.
Attending physicians are aware of time constraints on their ability to fully review a case in
the way Best Doctors can. And finally, this conversation is backed by reports, case studies,
and recent publications from medical journals.
Is there a limit to the number of cases Best Doctors will review for their clients? What would the
cost of their service be to the UA health plan?
There is no limit for use. The cost is calculated by number of UA employees and
consideration of certain demographic factors of UA’s population. The cost would roughly
be $2.35 per employee per month, which amounts to $121,000 per year to cover all covered
employees and dependents.
Upcoming Meetings
The JHCC was advised that a new committee chair is needed to replace committee chair Tim
Hinterberger who will be on sabbatical next year. Jay Sowell will consider it.
The next meeting will be with WIN on May 20, 1:30-3:30 in Anchorage.
Summer meeting dates will remain on the second Thursday of every month.
June 10
July 8
August 12
September 9
Topics to be discussed on June 10
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Presentation by Navigenics regarding the Genome Project, which utilizes a map of the
patient’s genetic makeup to determine medication that would be most effective.
Discuss the Best Doctors’ presentation and whether it’s a good fit for UA Choice
Election of a new chair
Funding and how to best use the $300,000 incentive money.
Follow up on topics that will be raised at the May 20 meeting with WIN
JHCC members should prepare for discussion of the best use of the FY11 $300,000 incentive
money. Last year the money was used to pay for employees’ participation in either the $100 50/50
incentive program or to reimburse $100 in gym fees, based on submitted receipts. Everyone should
attend the June meeting with one good idea in mind for the FY11 incentive offerings.
Topics to be discussed on July 8
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WIN Alaska
Update on National Healthcare Reform
Plan for August and September
Meeting adjourned. 3 p.m.