Results Show Large Payment Cuts Will Undermine Surgical Practices and Hinder Patient Access to Care
The results of a new member survey by the nation's Surgical Coalition shows that the more than 21 percent pay cut to physicians that is scheduled to take effect April 1 will make it difficult, if not impossible, for already financially strapped surgical practices to continue to treat Medicare patients. A majority of the more than 14,000 surgeons and anesthesiologists who responded to the survey indicated that they will be forced to make significant changes in their practices if the cut goes into effect and that timely access to surgical care will be jeopardized if Medicare payments continue to decline. (The survey report can be found online at http://operationpatientaccess.facs.org/?32810mdsrv.)
The survey reveals that while 96 percent of respondents currently participate in Medicare, less than one-third of them will be able to remain as Medicare participating physicians. In addition, respondents indicated that practical realities will force them to stop providing certain services, reduce staff, defer the purchase of new medical equipment, and/or reduce time spent with Medicare patients. Thirty-seven percent said they will change their status to nonparticipating, and another 29 percent said they will opt out of the Medicare program for two years and contract privately with Medicare patients.
When asked, "If Medicare reimbursement to physicians is cut by over 21%, what changes to your Medicare participation status do you plan to make?" Respondents answered: