Hope must be part of the formula

Congress has delayed primary care's Medicare reimbursement cut for another year. Rather that this being cause for celebration, however, it simply represents the reality that had the cut gone through, there wouldn't be much incentive to stay in the practice of medicine-and Congress knows that.

Given that this fix is due to last for a year, and that the year after that there could be tax increases for many, compounded by the progressive weakening of the purchasing power of the dollar, feeling optimistic for enhancing the supply of primary care physicians isn't easy. When one considers that primary care physicians typically receive at least one-third of their income from government payers, the "purchasing power" of primary care within the residency graduates is only likely to continue to fall.

Political favors that will be being dangled in front of primary care in the next couple of years are relative trifles compared with the burdens of running a primary care office. Given the overall condition of the government budget and the mood of the incoming members of Congress, the administration may be offering up piecrust promises-easily made, easily broken.

The result is an ennui and resignation among many primary care physicians. Does it match or exceed the mood of the country? Judging by the patients I speak with, it is difficult to gauge which group feels it more intensely. The hope that I see is that, on the whole, physicians still care about their patients, and patients still care for their physicians. It is upon this hope that the hopes of the nation's healthcare delivery must rest.

The author practices internal medicine in Lexington, Kentucky, and is a member of the Medical Economics Editorial Board. Send your feedback to medec@advanstar.com
.

Taking care of business

The secrets to Dr. Gregory Oliver's success are his self-taught business acumen, an affinity for technology, and a focus on investing in his staff. The combination has resulted in an average 25% annual growth in his practice's gross revenue over the past 7 years. Oliver started learning business principles by reading three to four business books a month, and he's never looked back.

MAXIMUM PAYMENT, MINIMUM HASSLE

To maximize timely payment from insurers for the services you provide to patients, stay current with CPT coding changes. We provide a detailed chart as well as a checklist to keep your practice healthy in regard to finances, human resources, and regulatory requirements.

THE INSIDE STORY

A former plaintiffs' attorney and physician explains why practicing defensive medicine won't keep you out of the courtroom. He's reviewed thousands of medical charts and interviewed hundreds of clients and has identified the patterns that you need to understand.

WELL, WELL, WELL: NEW CMS POLICY

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is now waiving the deductible and co-insurance for some Medicare-covered preventive services, including the initial preventive physical examination ("Welcome to Medicare" visit) and the new annual wellness visit.