OK , here's the deal.
If its that important that you need to contact me, I deserve to be compensated.
Yesterday, I had two new patients scheduled, They came in and told my staff that they were there for a "meet and greet". I don't do "meet and greets". My time and schedule are valuable. They had already had medical records forwarded to me, and it appeared that I would be their third doctor in two years. They were switching insurances and said that there was no need to bill the old insurance company.
Sorry, but go do your research in the community and internet.
Our hospital receives compensation to take care of the indigent in the community. I don't receive any of those monies, but the hospital expects me to come in and see the pt for free. I get to eat for free in the cafeteria ($100.00 per month at the full price). Then physicians get called on the carpet by a staff nurse who writes to the local newspaper how the "rich doctors with their fancy cars" eat for free.
Humana just came in and (MSO changed) changed from fee for service to capitation. I was one of the first providers to accept and see Humana patients because I a had a group of patients (longstanding , about 30 pt's) come to me and ask me to go on it. So I did. So I will not be reimbursed for January if I see a Humana Medicare pt (didn't get the contract back fast enough, I had 14 days to decide). They have shifted the pts to another provider and won't notify my patient's ( They are not your patient's doctor they are Humana's patients). It is my responsibility to contact the pt's and have them notify Humana that they want to return to my practice 2/1/2010. Humana's MSO also advised me that I should see the patients for free during January to help keep them in the practice.
I was going to kick my Airdale terrier Odie, but all he ever does is wants to play and is happy to give the whole family his love.
Dr. Lauer, keep fighting the good fight. That's what we do as physicians for our patients and profession.
Last edited by imcffp; 12/29/2009 12:23 PM.
