In a fee-for-service model, what is the key potential downside for patients?

In a fee-for-service model, the provider is reimbursed for each individual service rendered, which creates an environment where there is a financial incentive to deliver more treatments, tests, and procedures. This can lead to a situation where patients may receive unnecessary treatments. Providers might be motivated to suggest additional services to increase their reimbursement, even if those services are not in the best interest of the patient’s health.

This potential for over-treatment can be detrimental not just due to unnecessary healthcare costs but also because it can expose patients to risks associated with unneeded medical procedures. In contrast, the other options do not highlight the same inherent risk tied to the fundamental structure of the fee-for-service model, which directly impacts patient care and outcomes. Thus, the key downside in this model is the likelihood of being subjected to unnecessary treatments that may not align with optimal patient care.