Quote:
Originally Posted by golfing eagles
OK, counterpoint argument-----
Now, my numbers are 10 years old, so reimbursement is probably 10-20% higher now, but.....
Medicare does not pay for "annual physicals" at all----it is considered preventative care, and they only pay if the patient has a diagnosis.
However, since everyone 65+ has some diagnosis, the physician can code the encounter as 99215 as long as they meet documentation criteria. That reimbursement was about $120 10 years ago.
Most Medicare rates only run about 10-15% below the best private insurers and is actually higher than some.
Also, I wouldn't try to obtain a new physician stating that you are just going to pay out of pocket----the saying in the medical field is "self-pay = no pay", and that is often true.
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That's why I asked for a point - counterpoint, to see what the argument I might be missing.
The medicare versus private insurers is magnified here in the Villages, with the huge imbalance of medicare as compared to the general population in the bulk of the working population.
However, the significant increase of medical cost is the mandated EMR systems and support. The benefits are huge, but so are the costs, nothing is free. Its the infrastructure costs of the medical costs which has increased substantially in 10 years
Its the local issue here which I piqued my interest
Thanks