CENTRAL VIRGINIA -
The ongoing federal health care debate is playing out in Richmond-area doctor's offices.
Physicians are wondering if they will be forced to turn away Medicare patients or worse, close their doors. The problem is a proposed cut in the way Medicare reimburses doctors for patient exams.
Already Medicare pays a lower rate than the average insurance company. Now there's a proposal to cut reimbursement fees by more than 21%.
Some doctors argue that it's a cut they can't afford. Meanwhile patients face losing their favorite doctors if they can't foot the remainder of the unpaid bills.
Dr. Marina Iuorno with Virginia Diabetes and Endocrinology says that's a decision she is not looking forward to making. But a doctor's office is like any other business, designed to make money.
Dr. Iuorno believes cutting physician fees is a short-sided perspective on how to solve the problem. The cuts though are designed to save the U.S. government money but many say it comes at a cost to older Americans who depend on Medicare.
Dr. Iuorno, like many physicians says she doesn't have a cure for the budget crisis. She just knows a 21% cut could force many physicians to have to make some difficult decisions.
Physicians are wondering if they will be forced to turn away Medicare patients or worse, close their doors. The problem is a proposed cut in the way Medicare reimburses doctors for patient exams.
Already Medicare pays a lower rate than the average insurance company. Now there's a proposal to cut reimbursement fees by more than 21%.
Some doctors argue that it's a cut they can't afford. Meanwhile patients face losing their favorite doctors if they can't foot the remainder of the unpaid bills.
Dr. Marina Iuorno with Virginia Diabetes and Endocrinology says that's a decision she is not looking forward to making. But a doctor's office is like any other business, designed to make money.
Dr. Iuorno believes cutting physician fees is a short-sided perspective on how to solve the problem. The cuts though are designed to save the U.S. government money but many say it comes at a cost to older Americans who depend on Medicare.
Dr. Iuorno, like many physicians says she doesn't have a cure for the budget crisis. She just knows a 21% cut could force many physicians to have to make some difficult decisions.
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