HMSA delays doctor payment shift to ease transition pressures

HMSA has announced a delay to its planned switch in doctor reimbursement methods. The deadline has been pushed back to January 1, 2023, giving medical professionals more time to prepare. The decision extends the current system by six months. Doctors will continue using the old fee-for-service model instead of the new capitation method. This temporary return aims to help physicians and patients adjust smoothly to the upcoming change. The extension offers a six-month buffer for all involved. Physicians will keep their current payment structure until the new system takes effect. HMSA expects the transition to be more manageable with the extra time.