Confessions of a Pediatric Management Consultant... Where fame and fortune await those who help keep pediatric practices alive and independent!

I Cry a Sad Tear for Wealthy HMOs

Written by Chip Hart | Dec 6, 2007 1:54:47 PM

As I've said before, sometimes they write themselves.

From the WSJ:

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)--UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) executives acknowledged missteps that have frustrated patients and doctors and cost it customers, and said the nation's second-largest health insurer is working to improve.

Poor customer service, especially for health insurance for businesses, caused losses of 315,000 customers this year, the company told investors and analysts at a presentation in New York on Tuesday. And it said it pushed too hard to integrate its PacifiCare acquisition, alienating doctors and customers.

Improvements are on the way, including faster payments for doctors, said David S. Wichmann, who oversees UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s individual and employer markets.

Need I say more?