Comments on: More on the folly of cutting physician reimbursement http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2006/09/more-on-folly-of-cutting-physician.html Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:56:00 +0000 hourly 1 By: anonymoushttp://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2006/09/more-on-folly-of-cutting-physician.html#comment-67436 anonymous Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:48:00 +0000 http://clients.emmense.com/kevinmd/2006/09/more-on-the-folly-of-cutting-physician-reimbursement.html#comment-67436 Guess what? There is a finite amount volume may be increased. There are 24 hours in a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. It is folly to think that doctors can "increase volume" much beyond what has already been increased. Besides that, bundling of services and prohibitions on payment for services within certain timeframes mean doctors are already not compensated at all for necessary services in some circumstances. The local Medicaid carrier here for instance will not pay for a test and an office visit the same day, so patients have to return a different day for necessary testing. Since this is impractical, the physician can respond by doing the test for free, or drop off Medicaid. <br/><br/>Realistically, doctors have the choice of working more hours, earning less, or not accepting Medicare. Guess which choice more physicians are making? This is why you are starting to see alternative practice modes emerge such as concierge medicine, wellness medicine, anti-aging medicine, and cosmetic medicine grow. Guess what? There is a finite amount volume may be increased. There are 24 hours in a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. It is folly to think that doctors can “increase volume” much beyond what has already been increased. Besides that, bundling of services and prohibitions on payment for services within certain timeframes mean doctors are already not compensated at all for necessary services in some circumstances. The local Medicaid carrier here for instance will not pay for a test and an office visit the same day, so patients have to return a different day for necessary testing. Since this is impractical, the physician can respond by doing the test for free, or drop off Medicaid.

Realistically, doctors have the choice of working more hours, earning less, or not accepting Medicare. Guess which choice more physicians are making? This is why you are starting to see alternative practice modes emerge such as concierge medicine, wellness medicine, anti-aging medicine, and cosmetic medicine grow.

]]>