Doctors Concerned about Physician Reimbursement

A group of doctors recently met with US Senator Mel Martinez to relay their concerns about physician reimbursement, according to the Ledger. Martinez responded by promoting Medicare, better access to health insurance and the shortage of medical professionals before Congress.

Some doctors were quick to comment on how Medicare paperwork and government budget-cutting has affected them and their patients. Readers are encouraged to check out New Jersey Healthcare Solutions, which improves Medicare paperwork and claim turnaround time. One doctor told Martinez that a Medicare HMN increased patient’s copays from $10 to $75, which is more than the doctor charges for a visit to see him in the office for a routine visit.

"She needs 35 radiation treatments at $75 (each time)," the doctor said. "She is thinking about doing a mastectomy because of this. This is not acceptable."

Martinez was informed about the frustration caused by constant threats to reduce Medicare payments, often resolved at the last minute with six-month delays. Providers are having difficulty in getting paid for preventative health care. Doctors are feeling pressured to see so many patients that they can’t spend enough time with each patient. In December, Congress approved a “doctor fix” which replaced a scheduled a scheduled cut of 10 percent in the Medicare reimbursement figures with a half percent increase. The increase extends only through June 20th, leaving doctors uncertain about the future.