How doctors are coping

Article Abstract:

Physicians are trying to increase finances while coping with relative value scale payment systems (RBRVS) reimbursement levels for Medicare. Some physicians, for instance, are extending their hours, attracting more privately insured patients, working with managed care companies, changing their practice setting and using more physician's assistants to minimize losses incurred due to the RBRVS system. Other physicians are refusing Medicare patients and halting certain surgical procedures.

Surgeons, Relative value scale payment systems (Medical care)

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Medicare patients - the ones nobody wants

Article Abstract:

Many physicians cannot afford to treat Medicare patients. In some cases, Medicare reimbursements to doctors declined 40% to 50%, while overhead costs continued to rise. Additionally, physicians are not permitted to pass increased costs on to patients. Mandating acceptance of Medicare patients would only create a police state. It is time to create a health care system that requires those who can afford medical care to pay for those who cannot.

Evaluation, Column, Medical policy, Health policy

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Medicare limits balance billing

Article Abstract:

Carriers of supplemental Medicare insurance must examine doctors' claims and reject any bills for more than 115% of Medicare fees. Anesthesiologists are one group who have relied heavily on billing of supplemental carriers, since Medicare payments average only a third of the fees charged private companies. The number of physicians who accept Medicare fees as full payment rose from 87% in 1992 to 94% in 1993.

Administration of Public Health Programs, Health Care Services, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Laws, regulations and rules, Medical care, Health insurance

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