Dear Senator:
I would like to inform you about current issues associated with Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. To begin with, according to the current healthcare initiatives of state and federal authorities, there occur significant cuts of reimbursement that poses a serious problem for both patients and healthcare providers. The mentioned cuts result in underpayment of doctors and hospitals that is disastrous in terms of their business. Unfortunately, healthcare costs rise significantly every year that makes it vital for medical professionals to receive an adequate pay for their services. It is essential to cover all the necessary costs and struggle for survival in this business. The problem is especially topical for small offices located in small towns or/and neighborhoods inhabited by below middle class residents : “Everybody understands that doctors are basically small business people, and we have to meet our cost plus make a living. Just meeting our cost doesn't mean staying in business” (Tolley in McCaffrey, 2011, p.1).
According to the statistics, one in five Americans uses Medicaid program for all healthcare needs. Cuts of Medicaid reimbursement provoke a terrible situation when medical professionals are not able to perform important medical procedures for Medicaid patients. These limitations emerge as a natural response addressing economic hardships of healthcare institutions. Hence, it means that a lot of Medical patients are not able to access low- cost services which are important for their well- being. The situation is worsened by economic recession causing unemployment and producing strong negative consequences affecting income of Americans. Therefore, more and more Americans are forced to use Medicaid, however, this program is currently unable to help people significantly: “I've seen so many people in tears, and they don't know what to do...They don't know where to go for help; they just feel they're not being listened to” (Wohlforth in McCaffrey, 2011, p.1).
Medicare reimbursement cuts hit old people who tend to have numerous problems with health due to age and do need a wide spectrum of quality medical services. Moreover, this situation strongly affects physicians whose rates decrease drastically as a result of the mentioned reimbursement cuts. Alan C. Woodward, M.D. Commented this situation in the following way: “If we can't fix this, the impact on physicians and physician practices is going to be devastating, many practices are barely surviving now” (Walsh, 2005, p.1).
Hence, it is understandable that the current situation should be addressed as soon as possible and the existing regulations and conditions should be changed as inappropriate and those damaging the whole healthcare industry. On behalf of all physicians, I would like to note that medical providers do need an adequate pay to run their businesses, make a living and provide patients with quality superb services. I hope that you would pay attention to this problem in Congress and help to initiate the necessary legislative changes.
Regards,
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References
McCaffrey, S. (2011). “Medicaid Cuts By States Affect Patients And Providers.” Web. 9 Sept. 2012. Retrieved from HYPERLINK …