Has anyone had a problem trying to get an appointment with a LLMD and being told that they are no longer treating anyone with Medicare?
This happened to my mother with attempts to get an appointment with two different LLMDs. This seems like age discrimination.
How common is this and does anyone know of any kind of legislation that prevents doctors for denying appointments for the elderly?
Posted by AliG (Member # 9734) on :
My dad, who does not have Lyme, had a non-LLMD Dr drop him because she stopped accepting medicare.
I think the problem may be with something medicare is doing to Drs. Posted by Amanda (Member # 14107) on :
It has less to do with denying the elderly or the disabled, and more to do with the harrasment the LLMDs get from Medicare and insurance. Some LLMDS don't take insurance either.
Treating lyme is contreversial. Unless the LLMDs are in CA, Conn, or Mass, they can have their medical liscensces removed for treating lyme. Or they can be sued for hundreds of thousands of dollars. If the LLMDS take Medicare or insurance, that puts them on the radar.
If they just take cash, then they are significanlty more protected from losing their ability to practice medicine
Posted by Amanda (Member # 14107) on :
Oh, and just a side note, a lot of MDs have begun denying medicare pateints, not just lyme docs.
Medicaare pays doctors less money unless you live in major metripolitan area. Also, some insurance policies pay more than medicare, and so MDs have begun taking only the "premium" insurance
Posted by gwb (Member # 7273) on :
If I remember correctly, doctors get about 20% less treating medicare patients.
Gary
Posted by springshowers (Member # 19863) on :
This has been happening.. sometimes. IF you have any secondary insurance make sure to speak up though. I had to really educate the billing department of a doctor who opted out of Medicare. They were sending away all patients on Medicare. Even if they had a secondary. But there is a way around it even if they Opt Out of Medicare does not mean they ahve to turn everyone away.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Susan. This is happening in my area. There aren't any GOOD lyme docs who take Medicare patients here anymore.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)