A survey of Colorado physicians found most are reluctant to accept new patients on basic Medicare, according to a KUNC report.
Colorado Public News called family, general practice and internal medicine physicians across the state, using the Medicare website that lists thousands of physicians claiming to treat patients on Medicare. Of 100 physicians contacted, only 34 would readily accept a new patient.
Of the remainder, 40 said they would not accept a new patient on traditional Medicare. Another 26 physicians limited new clients by making decisions on a case-by-case basis or placing patients on a waiting list. In total, two-thirds refused or limited new patients.
Several physicians said they would not accept Medicare patients because the agency does not reimburse enough — and when it does, sends payment late and can require additional paperwork and phone calls.
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Colorado Public News called family, general practice and internal medicine physicians across the state, using the Medicare website that lists thousands of physicians claiming to treat patients on Medicare. Of 100 physicians contacted, only 34 would readily accept a new patient.
Of the remainder, 40 said they would not accept a new patient on traditional Medicare. Another 26 physicians limited new clients by making decisions on a case-by-case basis or placing patients on a waiting list. In total, two-thirds refused or limited new patients.
Several physicians said they would not accept Medicare patients because the agency does not reimburse enough — and when it does, sends payment late and can require additional paperwork and phone calls.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing & Collections:
CMS: Prepare Now for April 1 Enforcement of Version 5010
Feds to Postpone ICD-10 Implementation Date
Physicians Applaud News of ICD-10 Implementation Delay