In 2009, 50% of my schedule was filled by Medicare patients but Medicare only accounted for about 20% of my income. It was an untenable situation and I desperately wanted to remain in independent practice. So I opted out of Medicare. About 70% of my Medicare patients left...but 30% stayed and pay cash for their office visits. Some pay less if they can't afford it and there are several that I see for nothing. One of my Medicare patients wrote me a note that said "I'm happy you dropped out. I always felt like a Medicare deadbeat when I looked at the EOBs". I don't have to worry about MU, and all the other craziness that my colleagues have to deal with. It's a breath of fresh air.
On the other hand, like Tomastoria above, I'm in my late 50s and MC is on the horizon for me.......mulling it over. Hmmm, what to do, what to do.
