[mrf0151]

Originally Posted by jswirs

Just recently my PCP cancelled my appointments because it was decided that patients with my particular Medicare Advantage Plan are no longer being accepted, unless I pay "out of pocket" cost. (For personal and financial reasons I decided not to pay "out of pocket"). This information was not given to me until I called the office one week before my appointment.
I understand a doctor's decision to do this, however, I was not informed by my insurance people, Medicare, or my doctor's office. If I did not happen to call the office I would have shown up for an appointment that no longer existed.
I know I am not the only person this has happened to, so, my question is: "Why can't the doctor's office inform patients when the decision is made to drop those patients who have a particular insurance plan?"
I was told that the responsibility to do this falls on the insurance company. But the insurance company may have tens of thousands of people on their books, leaving the possibility of overlooking someone.
The way I see it, if a doctor can confirm every appointment by texting, why couldn't a simple "FYI" text be sent to patients when their appointments are cancelled because of an insurance decision? (There are some states that require a doctor's office to inform patients with a 60 day notice before any existing appointments are cancelled.)
I know there are a few MD's, as well as insurance folks, on this forum, and I thank them and anyone else who may reply.

Just another case in point to have a Medicare (Supplement ) Plan like F or G where you have freedom to choose any and all doctors, and are not limited to a small pool of doctors in the Medicare ( Disadvantage ) Plan.