Don't let this happen to you: long waits are patients' no. 1 complaint; here are some ways you can stay on schedule

Article Abstract:

Setting up a physician's appointment schedule involves allotting extra time for full physical examinations, new patients and patients with complex problems. Patients receive a negative impression if subjected to impolite personnel or long waits. Ruth Jordan, of the Diagnostic Clinic in Longview, TX, recommends staff communication with patients on such matters as insurance and charges. Any practice with more than two physicians should computerize the scheduling process, she says.

Management, Time management, Medical offices

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One doctor's story

Article Abstract:

Rural family physician Lawrence Witt is making less than 2% of normal income after a year of dealing with the relative value scale payment system (RBRVS) enacted by the Health Care Financing Administration for Medicare services. Witt attributes his decreased income to RBRVS problems, including payment reductions and payment adjustments based on geographic regions. He believes rural areas will lose Medicare physicians if Medicare does not increase its reimbursement rates.

Personal narratives, Laws, regulations and rules, Finance, Medical professions, Rural health services, Relative value scale payment systems (Medical care)

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Centers grow, despite low Medicare reimbursement

Article Abstract:

The number of ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) increased 14% to 1,556 in 1991, despite only a 3.5% increase in the Medicare payment rate. The rise in the number of centers is because fewer surgery outpatients are using the Medicare system and the average charge per procedure has risen. The average cost of a procedure in 1991 was $988, up from $892 in 1990. ASC payment rates for 1990 and 1991 are listed according to category.

Analysis, Prices and rates, Statistics, Prospective payment systems (Medical care), Surgical clinics

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