We’ve heard a lot lately about government "crack downs" on Medicare and Medicaid fraud and how the efforts of federal and state agencies have led to many convictions and billions of dollars of lost revenue returned to the programs. But how have these efforts affected the elderly—those who depend on Medicare and Medicaid?

According to a recent survey of doctors by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), increased regulations and the recent increase in government crack downs have actually severely restricted patients’ access to medical care.

The doctors’ responses to the survey suggest that

• Increased fear of prosecution and government retaliation has negatively impacted patients’ access to doctors and to certain services;
• Compliance with Medicare and Medicaid regulations requires a significant amount of doctors’ time, reducing time for patient care;
• Unrestricted private contracting under Medicare would encourage doctors to treat Medicare patients;
• The government’s increased role in medicine will likely result in more difficulty for all patients to access care—not just Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.