| Dr. Kestner accepting Medicare patients |
Related Articles
|
|
|
Posted: Monday, March 1, 2010 10:35 am
|
 Email  Print
|
Many doctors are now declining to accept new Medicare patients. With a new reimbursement cut of more than 21 percent from Medicare that goes into effect today, patients with Medicare coverage will find it even more difficult to find a doctor.
“There are many elderly and other Medicare beneficiaries that are in pain and need help,” stated Dr. Mark Kestner. “I can certainly understand why many doctors would need to restrict their access to Medicare patients, because the government has simply made it nearly impossible for many doctors to stay in business.”
“Elderly patients benefit greatly from the services available from our office. As long as we can keep serving them and stay in business, we will try to be accessible. Medicare patients pay for their treatment as usual, then we file the Medicare claim for the patient. The reimbursement comes directly to them. Medicare does not cover all services available, such as acupuncture or some therapies and other services.
“During this struggling economy we have found it necessary to offer more payment options for patients. Our office accepts a wide range of insurance plans including Blue Cross, Cigna, PHCS, Mail Handlers, and most others. We accept CareCredit that offers several no-interest payment options. Patients have found it helpful that we have so many options. We still offer a free consultation for any new patient. Interested patients can call 895-1253 to schedule this free appointment.
“We are in a better position than many doctors’ offices to work with Medicare patients in spite of these cuts because we have been in business here in Murfreesboro for more than twenty years and our practice is already solidly established. We are blessed to have served so many local residents during the past 21 years,” stated Dr. Kestner. “We want to continue to be as accessible to all to the degree that we can.”
Medicare announced last week that it was slashing reimbursement paid to doctors by 21.2 percent effective today. The Senate had an opportunity to pass a bill that would cancel the deep cut, but failed to do so. As a result, many doctors have found it necessary to restrict or eliminate Medicare patients.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Login and voice your opinion!
|
Digg
Facebook
MySpace
Yahoo!