Thanks to all for your responses. The information above is really helpful.
Indy, thanks for stepping-up with your offer.
What I had in mind with my initial question was something a little different, though. David G, I agree that a certain level of compensation for a given code is unacceptable (you mention $30 for a level 3 follow-up). One way to deal with this is to refuse to participate with that company, or even to go non-par with everyone and run a cash-only practice. Cash-only is like the Holy Grail of medical practice now. I admire those who have achieved it, and encourage anyone who is going down the road to eliminating contracts with insurance companies that refuse to pay fairly.
Nonetheless, most practitioners must continue to contract with at least some insurance companies. I think we are trying to do that with one hand tied behind our backs. Most docs simply renew or sign contracts without even knowing what the fee schedule provides. One of the barriers to negotiating effectively is that we are essentially in the dark with regard to what other providers are paid. You can try to decide if $50 is acceptable for a level 3 exam, but wouldn?t it be tremendously helpful to negotiate knowing that the same insurance company is paying others $60 or $70? This is a situation that is unique to medicine; ALL others can discuss and share this information.
My proposal is that we try to find a way to collect and share this information. The conventional wisdom is that there are many legal obstacles to this. Is this true? Are there ways around the legal limitations?
