Medi- Minutes

Doctors Shy from Medicare Woes

According to a recent survey of doctors by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), Medicare regulations and increased government crackdowns on fraud have restricted patients’ access to medical care.
 

• 82% of doctors report increased fear of investigation and prosecution in the last three years.
• 71% have made changes in their practices to avoid threat of prosecution.
• 34% restrict some services to Medicare patients.
• 23% do not accept new Medicare patients.
• 22% of doctor and staff time is spent ensuring compliance with Medicare.
• Medicare claims cost 26% more than private claims to process.
• Two thirds of doctors say that Medicare troubles have caused them to consider retiring earlier than they previously planned.