Cut Medicare to ease the deficit? President may lower pay to doctors, slash $56 billion over 5 years

Article Abstract:

Pres Clinton may intend to cut Medicare as part of his effort to lower the federal budget deficit. The cuts could come from reductions in payment to physicians and hospitals. Other methods for reducing the budget may include temporary price controls or taxes on alcohol, tobacco or other threats to public health. Hillary Rodham Clinton is continuing to work on a health care proposal with her task force and 15 teams of advisors whose names have not been disclosed. However, White House domestic policy advisor Ira Magaziner has said that the input of physicians and other healthcare groups will be solicited soon.

Planning, Health care reform

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Medicare pay shift chances good

Article Abstract:

The House of Representatives is working on Medicare amendments that could affect about $600 million in physician payments. The changes would increase the amount paid to new doctors and for the use of electrocardiograms but could cause competitive problems between medical specialties. Medical associations are lobbying for changes to the current payment system and hope to attach their demands to the Medicare bill. However, these lobbying efforts threaten to stall passage of the measure.

Offices of health practitioners, not elsewhere classified, Laws, regulations and rules, Physicians, Medical professions, Electrocardiography, United States. Congress. House, Prospective payment systems (Medical care)

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Medicare fraud investigations: HCFA officials hope to net more crooks with less hassle for doctors

Article Abstract:

The Health Care Financing Administration plans to set up independent Medicare fraud investigators within the program's 84 insurance contractors. Its goal is to enlist the assistance of patients in detecting fraud, while reducing the scrutiny of honest physicians. Additionally, Senators Joseph R. Biden and Jim Sasser plan to introduce legislation increasing healthcare fraud penalties and adding 300 investigators.

Health care industry, Investigations, United States. Congress. Senate, Medicare fraud, United States. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Biden, Joseph R., Sasser, Jim

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