You are certainly correct in that all good doctors normally take medicare. However, here in Texas, Specialist's like myself (Anesthesiologist) are not "required" to accept medicare's payment scale. In my personal case as an Anesthesiologist, I'm hired by the hospitals that I work for but bill independently. Since the hospitals all take medicare, My standard hourly rate is lowered for medicare patients and some insurance companies, by "my choice".
When I work at independent surgical centers, My standard rate is what is paid. However, even at those independent surgical centers where I can charge whatever reasonable amount I want, I personally choose to lower my standard rate for medicare patients and cash patients. Mainly because I do NOT believe that people paying cash for surgeries because they do not have insurance coverage, should have to pay my normal, but reasonable, rate of pay! It's also why I choose to do pro bono work.
However, I work with other anesthesiologist's and other specialist's/surgeons, that do NOT lower their rate of pay for their services, which is perfectly legal in Texas! I personally feel it is outrageous and that those colleagues are just out right greedy and are in the business to make as much money as possible, regardless of the patients personal situation.
Of course I am bias to my feelings and how I choose to operate my personal billing practices, since I grew up in Belgium, which as you know has a totally different medical system. I believe in that system even though I practice in America, where medical care is a profitable business choice for many business-minded individuals who are looking to "cash in" on an already bleading system!
I DO believe that ALL doctors and even specialist's should be "required" to accept medicare payment rates, even though they are lower than cash rates or most insurance rates of pay! Marki
Sent from "Marki's" Android O.S. 2.4 LG Optimus (Smartphone).
Moderator: Thank you Marki. Actually, no state has mandatory medicare requirement. And hospitals do negotiate their rates with medicare. However, i have HMO's's that pay less than medicare. Further Medicaid (or in some states have their own program to replace medicaid) have many more dr's/hospitals who will not accept it. However, when medicare will not approve a dr, usually that dr has been bounced out of the system for fraud, improper counduct, etc. Those dr's that will not accept reduced rates for the uninsured need to stop going to church acting like they are Jesus Christ themselves. (Sorry people i induced religion and don't require additional comments on the religious aspect. It was just meant as a slap on the face of the phonies who use religion and don't follow what is preached). ...jake
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