February 6, 2026
Why You Should Make Your Own Medical Care Decisions
When it comes to your health, you deserve control over your medical care decisions. But today, many patients don’t realize how much power insurance companies have over what treatments are approved, how quickly care moves forward, and even which doctors are financially able to provide certain services.
At Nebraska Hand & Shoulder Institute, we believe that patients should make healthcare choices based on quality, outcomes, and trust — not insurance profits.
This is why patient advocacy in healthcare matters more than ever.
Insurance Companies Aren’t Focused on Your Best Care
Insurance carriers are businesses. Their priority isn’t patient-centered care — it’s profitability. Over time, this has created a system where insurance companies increasingly decide what care is “allowed”, regardless of what might be best for your individual situation.
Here’s the truth many patients don’t hear:
Your insurance company benefits by paying less — even if that limits your treatment options.
How Medicare Policy Shapes Private Insurance
A major issue in modern healthcare is that private insurance companies often copy Medicare policy. Medicare sets reimbursement standards, and most large insurers follow the same playbook.
But Medicare reimbursement has steadily gone down for decades.
According to the script, Medicare now pays less than 20% of what it paid 20 years ago for many services. And nearly every year, reimbursement drops more.
What this means for patients:
- Doctors are paid significantly less for the same care
- Some providers can’t afford to accept Medicare patients
- Private insurers often pay at similar low rates
- Treatment decisions become more cost-driven than care-driven
These reimbursement cuts directly limit patient access, treatment options, and provider availability.
Why Cost-Driven Healthcare Limits Your Treatment Options
Insurance companies rarely send a letter saying they’ll pay more for something. Instead, they notify providers of what they won’t cover or what they’ll cover less.
When reimbursement gets cut year after year:
- fewer high-quality treatment options are offered
- care can be delayed or restricted
- providers may be forced to choose cheaper pathways
- patients may be pushed toward “approved” care instead of best care
This is why understanding insurance restrictions in healthcare is essential for making informed medical decisions.
Why Your Doctor Gets Paid the Same Regardless of Who You See
On most insurance plans, any doctor you visit is reimbursed roughly the same amount. Patients are often told a provider is “too expensive,” but in reality:
On most insurance plans, any doctor you see is reimbursed roughly the same amount.
- the insurance company pays what they want
- when they want
- regardless of what the doctor charges
So the idea that you must choose a cheaper doctor is incorrect.:
That means:
You should pick the doctor you trust most — not the one your insurance company nudges you toward.
Why Choosing the Right Specialist Saves You Money Long-Term
A skilled specialist who focuses on correct diagnosis and Proven treatment doesn’t just improve outcomes — it reduces costs overall.
At Nebraska Hand & Shoulder Institute, our focus is:
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis
- Clear, personalized treatment options
- Avoiding complications and prolonged disability
- Faster return to work and normal life
When your treatment is done right the first time:
- you avoid repeat visits and procedures
- recovery is smoother
- disability time is shorter
- costs drop for you and the system
High-quality, specialist care is both more effective and more cost-efficient.
Patient Advocacy: Why Your Voice Matters in Healthcare
You are the person living with pain, injury, or disability — not your insurance provider. This is why healthcare decisions should be made with your best interest at the center.
Making your own medical care decisions means:
- asking questions
- understanding all your treatment options
- choosing providers based on outcomes over insurance limits
- not letting insurance limits define your future
Don’t let insurance restrictions define your future.
Takeaway: Pick the Doctor Focused on Your Best Outcome
Insurance companies will continue to push for lower reimbursement and tighter control. But your health isn’t a spreadsheet, and good care should never be dictated by cost-cutting.
If you’re on an insurance plan, your best move is simple:
Choose the doctor you believe is most conscientious, experienced, and committed to your recovery.
At Nebraska Hand & Shoulder Institute, Dr. Ichtertz has helped patients return to work faster and avoid complications for more than 30 years — and that track record comes from prioritizing care, not cost-cutting.
Nebraska Hand & Shoulder Institute Can Help
If you’re dealing with hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder pain and want a treatment plan focused on your long-term outcome, our team is here to help.
Schedule a consultation today:
Phone: 1-800-433-9147
Website: https://www.carpaltunnelrelief.net/
FAQ: Medical Care Decisions & Insurance
Patients should make their own medical care decisions to ensure treatment is based on quality and outcomes, not insurance restrictions or cost-cutting. When you choose your own provider, you maintain control over your diagnosis, treatment plan, and long-term recovery.
Insurance companies limit treatment options by reducing reimbursement, denying coverage, restricting approved treatments, and pushing providers toward cheaper pathways. These decisions are cost-driven — not based on what is medically best for the patient.
No. Most insurance plans reimburse doctors at similar rates. Choosing a specialist often saves money long-term because accurate diagnosis and proven treatment reduce complications, repeat visits, unnecessary procedures, and prolonged disability.
Private insurers often copy Medicare policies. When Medicare cuts reimbursement, private insurers usually follow. This leads to fewer treatment options, fewer participating providers, and more cost-driven care for patients.