Physician Perspective
Michael Yoo, MD: Defending IDR is also a patient-access issue
Source commentary: Michael Yoo, MD, FACP · LinkedIn
Summary published October 28, 2026
Dr. Michael Yoo argues that the debate over independent dispute resolution affects practice sustainability, physician bargaining power, and access to care.
What is Dr. Yoo’s argument?
In a LinkedIn commentary, Michael Yoo, MD, FACP urges physicians and patients to defend independent dispute resolution (IDR). He argues that persistent underpayment can put pressure on independent practices and ultimately affect patients’ choices.
Yoo also calls on in-network physicians to engage. In his view, weakening out-of-network physicians’ negotiating position could influence reimbursement discussions across the wider market.
Why does he oppose efforts to weaken IDR?
Yoo characterizes insurer efforts to change the process as a response to physicians’ success in arbitration. This is his advocacy position, including his interpretation of insurers’ motives; the post is not an audit, court ruling, or new study establishing those claims.
What does federal IDR actually do?
CMS explains that federal IDR determines payment amounts for certain out-of-network services when negotiations between providers or facilities and health plans do not resolve a dispute. After the required 30-business-day open negotiation period, eligible disputes can proceed to a certified IDR entity, which selects one of the parties’ offers.
Federal IDR does not apply to every underpaid claim. State payment rules and other eligibility requirements can affect which process applies. Read CMS’s explanation of federal IDR.
What should provider teams take from this?
Our perspective: advocacy and claim operations serve different purposes. While following policy developments, teams should keep eligibility reviews, negotiation records, submissions, determinations, and payment follow-up connected. A social media post does not change filing requirements or guarantee an outcome.
Related reading: Enforce or replace IDR? Two approaches to No Surprises Act reform.