I am not a cardiologist and I do not play one on TV

Medicare and Medicaid reduction in reimbursement

“Against a chorus of opposition from cardiovascular imaging specialists, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is planning to make significant cuts to physician payments for several cardiovascular imaging services. In its 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, released late on October 30, 2009, the CMS follows through on its July proposal to cut physician payments for cardiovascular and radiology services. The CMS will accept comments on the final rule until December 29, and it goes into effect January 1, 2010.” ~ As reported by Theheart.org e-letter, “The Heartwire.”

What does this mean for the patient? This change significantly reduces reimbursement to physician practices for many outpatient procedures (echocardiograms, stress tests, etc.).

I am not a cardiologist and I do not play one on TV. I am a private citizen, a middle-aged patient who, in the long run, will be affected by this change.

I have most of my outpatient studies done at my cardiologist’s practice, not at the hospital. I much prefer the convenience of going to the office, getting in and getting out, as well as getting the results much quicker. I do not believe the hospitals can absorb the increase in outpatient procedures and studies that will be generated if not done in the cardiologists' offices; the wait time for patients will likely prevent many patients from ever getting necessary studies. My co-pay for having a procedure or outpatient study done in the cardiologist's office is much less than what I would pay for the same service to a hospital. Thus, Medicare obviously has not taken into consideration the fact that this decision will impact seniors who simply cannot afford to pay the higher fees. Wonder why AARP and the like are not lobbying against this change?

Posted by: arhowie
Report Abuse