What do studies suggest about the effects of CDHP enrollment on physician visits?

Studies suggest that enrollment in Consumer-Directed Health Plans (CDHPs) tends to lead to reduced physician visits for both acute and chronic conditions. This outcome is primarily attributed to the design of CDHPs, which often include higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for patients. As a result, individuals may be more reluctant to seek medical care due to cost considerations, which can lead to a decrease in the overall frequency of physician interactions.

The trend toward reduced visits can significantly impact health outcomes, especially for chronic conditions that typically require regular monitoring and management. When people delay or avoid seeing their healthcare providers, essential care may be missed, potentially leading to worsened health status in the long run.

The nature of CDHPs encourages enrollees to be more cost-conscious about their healthcare spending, which can unfortunately lead to the conclusion that any visit incurs a substantial financial burden. Therefore, this reduced frequency of visits supports the notion that financial barriers can play a critical role in access to healthcare services.