When I see my doctor bills and how much smaller is the payment from Medicare, I am surprised my doctor has not kicked me out.
Example: Office visit with medium length consultation is $145,
Medicare approved payment $42. That is all I am obligated to pay
if I have not met my annual Medicare deductible, which is usually true since I need very few visits to the doctor.
After meeting my deductible, the doctor still gets only $42.
I almost feel guilty walking out of her office.
Medicare patients usually need the most time, because they are older, and have more health issues.
When Medicare pays so little, you lose money each time you see a Medicare patient.
It is easier to see younger patients, who usually have only one problem at a time, and get paid more by private insurance.
You at least read the bill so you know what is going on.
Many people don’t, they see, oh, it’s $1000 for this scan and think the doctor is rich. They never realize the guy gets only a hundred and change. It makes for bad relations.
Also, when someone NOT on Medicare goes for the same test, they have to pay an arm and a leg. It’s really down to the core unfair.
Why feel guilty; why not pay out of your own pocket?