Doctors sue to stop 5% Medi-Cal trim

Sac Bee ^ | 11/8/03 | Andy Furillo

[NormsRevenge]

The California Medical Association filed a lawsuit Friday to block a state budget cut that would reduce the amount doctors are paid to treat the poor.

If the cut goes through, the doctors say the number of physicians who treat the state's 6.5 million Medi-Cal patients is likely to fall. Those patients then would be forced into seeking emergency room treatment -- at costs that could greatly exceed the $237 million in budget savings, according to the doctors.

[NormsRevenge]

.

[USNBandit]

only 20 percent of the total are seeing 80 percent of the clients.

This is probably because the 20 percent represent the GPs and Pediatricians while the rest are specialists that patients have to be referred to. What they need to do is go after the massive fraud involved in MediCal. That is what is crushing the system.

[Plutarch]

If the Dems were serious about access to medical care for the poor, they would institute very strict limits on medical liability for Medi-Cal recipients. Doctors would then be much more willing to see these patients, and could do so more efficiently.

But, nooooo, that wouldn't do would it? Their masters, the Plantiffs Bar, wouldn't approve.

Demonstrates what hypocrites these Democrats be.

[Hildy]

Listem to this: My mom was rushed to the hospital a few months ago with a pulminary embolism. she was 5 days in intensive care - transferred to a different hospital (for insurance reasoms), for 2 1/2 days then sent to a nursing home for "rehabilitation" for 30 days. After two days in that nursing home I took her out for reasons I won't get into now. Here's my point. I just yesterday received a bill from the SECOND hopsital. This was the hospital where she went after intensive care. She was not hooked up to anything, she was in a room, a Dr. came in a couple of times a day and that was that. The bill for that 2 1/2 day stay was over $24,000. That was what Medicare was billed. We paid $200 of that. I can't even beging to imagine what the cost for those 5 days in intensive care ran the government. Probably well over $100,000. I can't imagine these kinds of costs continuing AND the prescription drug benefit. I'm not economist, but it scares the hell out of me.

[meenie]

One of my daughter's pet peeves, who is a nurse, is that Medicaid patients will come in emergency costing the state $500 in order to keep from taking a couple of hours off of work the next day. Most of the time it is to get a free shot for junior or a sniffle he might have.

[blake6900]

I live in California, I work in the healthcare biz and I can tell you half the people on Medical are not "poor". You'd be suprised how many Hmongs drive up to ER in brand new cars, pull out a Medical card, get treatment for their broken fingernail and drive off...all at the taxpayers expense.

[boris]

Stop paying for medical care for illegal aliens and voila!...the problem, she is gone.

--Boris

[Hildy]

Should I request a breakout of costs from this hospital? I want to know what she got that cost $24,000. Does the hospital have to provide you with the breakdown if requested by the patient?

[Amerigomag]

Should I request a breakout of costs from this hospital?

No, but you should advise Medical that the billing is in error and request an audit. Provide brief, written remarks that describe the care that you observed your mother receive much as you have done in your earlier reply.

Expect no reply. Wait 15 days and then phone Medical and inquire into your request. Expect few results but be patient. 30 days after your initial contact, phone the state attorney general's office and request a complaint form (alledge fraud and Medical's failure to investigate). Complete the form and then wait for a response.

The process will take about 120 days but the audit will come and you will be appraised of the results (adjustments in the charges). Don't expect miracles.:)

[sarasmom]

Should anyone be surprised that you reared your head on an issue of healthcare?
Out yourself!
The only constant I know of regarding your posts is a thirst for the death of disabled woman in Florida.
Hildy, may you reap the fruits of your eforts!
Many people are praying for that outcome.
Have a nice life!

[DoctorZIn]

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[MarMema]

But Medi-Cal experts say the provider rates afford a critical link through which blind, aged, disabled and poor adults with dependent children gain access to the system.

[Hildy]

Your bitterness is showing. I'll pray for you.

[meenie]

I think that would be a good idea. It would have to be done in her name.