Hunt's On for Medicare Docs

A statement by Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) in an article in the April 6 issue—“While doctors don't seem to be refusing Medicare patients yet”—does not reflect reality. In the Atlanta area, I'm aware of a number of patients who are having a hard time finding private doctors willing to see them. I'm having to suggest that they go to facilities where doctors are employees. Several months ago I began to stop seeing new Medicare patients as reimbursement rates have been cut by over 14 percent. Medicare bureaucracy is getting worse. It is a strong negative reinforcer!