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December 8, 2014

Title: Part 2 of 2 - Doctors. Money. And Liars.
Topic: Medicare Payment Problems

Discussed by David Hogberg
with National Center for Public Policy Research (www.NationalCenter.org)

What is the “Doc Fix” process? Dr. David Hogberg explains how a law passed in 1997 by Congress called the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) created a threshold for Medicare physician fees. He explained how this affects retirees in the first segment. Now, he goes further and explains how doctors reacted to this law.

One of the consequences of the SGR is the physician fees. The current proposal that will come up in the next session includes a cut of 25%. This is huge! For obvious reasons, this is causing a great deal of fear and uncertainty in doctors. Many doctors have chosen to simply stop accepting new Medicare patients. Some use a cost shifting scheme, charging cash-paying patients more for services. Others drop all Medicare patients altogether.

And what in the world is the Kabuki dance? Can we talk about that on family-friendly, Christian radio? Listen in as Dr. Hogberg explains this one!!!

Is there any hope at all that Congress will repeal the SGR permanently? Can they do it? Dr. Hogberg is optimistic that the newly elected Congress will do the right thing and allow doctors to just be doctors.

You can find more on this and other issues facing our great nation at www.NationalCenter.org. 

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