Brian and gang,
Unfortunately Mass is in the middle of a perfect storm... Where are some of the most respected Medical Schools, Residency Programs, and Hospitals, Boston and surrounging Mass. But where is the homebase of the insurance industry, where did they get their start, Same place. When combined with a well intentioned, misguided, ill-informed do good politics you get "The Perfect Storm". If all those docs, and there are a ton in Mass, ask Jon, can not stand up to these SOB's then we are all in for a rought ride, get in, shut up and buckle up everybody.
I just wasted (did I really?) most of my bookkeeping night researching my AC database (sure wish it had more PM features) to see how many PIFATOS (thats Pay in Full at Time of Service)patients we have, how many non-par patients, how many still have some amount of freedom to not be trapped in network only ala HMO and POS, but instead have things like traditional indemnity and PPO type plans. I am just about ready to cut off my nose dispite my face as my dad used to say, and finally take that scarry leap into, Cash Only, PIFATOS, with a modest membership fee in exchange for some what reduced fees. Plus, Psych is still mostly cash and carry here, and Nancy does a good deal of it already with so many of our patients, that we might as well give in and see if we can't make it. All while still providing primary care for those who want it... As long as they pay, right?
These CARTEL SOB's have gone too far when they start wasting an hour or two (really no CCHIT) of my staff and my DOC too, just to get a simple CAT scan or MRI approved. And if we starve the new Bush based Bankrupcy laws will make sure I have lots of company in the new debtors prison. I sort of feel like that old coal miner song.... "ya haul 16 tons and whadda get? Another day older and deeper in debt, (there is a line right here I can remeber now), I owe my soul to company store...."
I just can't believe my own eyes everyday anymore, it is just so out of balance and one sided that you just can't make this stuff up. "Well here at the ministry of screwing up free trade and healthcare to all bloody hell...." Jon Cleese where are you??? I've gotta go because I need to take care of my poor wife tomorrow as she has minor oral surgery... Have a great weekend everyone....
Good Night and Good Luck,
Paul
