As predicted, physicians have already begun to refuse patients with ObamaCare coverage because its plans have significantly reduced their reimbursements. With a physician shortage already posing a problem for insured Americans, this will only exacerbate that dilemma. During an interview with National Public Radio, Dr. Doug Gerard, a Connecticut internist, explained the impact that the federal healthcare plans would have on his practice. He related that a private insurer pays $100 for a typical patient visit, while Medicares figure is approximately $80. ObamaCares plan more closely mirrors Medicare payments — a situation that Gerard indicated would be unsustainable for his practice. I cannot accept a plan [in which] potentially commercial-type reimbursement rates were now going to be reimbursed at Medicare rates, Dr. Gerard told NPR. You have to maintain a certain mix in private practice between the low reimbursers and the high reimbursers to be able to keep the lights on.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 01:02:33 +0000
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