Care Coordination/Care Management in Massachusetts
Massachusetts law provides patients the opportunity to be involved in the management of their own care. Primarily, the law sets forth patients’ rights in all health care facilities. These rights include the right to free choice in selecting a care facility, physician, or service mode, except if there is an emergency.1 Additionally, patients have the right to refuse treatment or be further informed of a medical intervention.2 Patients must also give informed consent prior to medical treatment.3 Informed consent is specifically required for HIV testing by the law.4
The state requires its insurance companies to provide consumers with detailed information about participating providers, such as method of compensation as well as quality measures.5 Additionally, the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy is required to develop and issue a report that allows individuals to evaluate and compare different insurance plans in an effort to encourage consumers to take an active role in the management of their own care.6