What this means is a DRAMATIC drop in Medicare if rates are fixed for 5 years and inflation in medical costs continue.Add to this horror the notion that the feds COULD cut rates 21%! Keep in mind that the feds SAY they want more preventive care and an emphasis on primary care which saves lives and cuts costs but any of these "fixes"would essentially KILL primary care by cutting the docs that make the LEAST amount of $ from Medicare. The domino effect is already happening throughout AZ. Many...

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Adult primary care providers (PCP's-Family Doctors and Internists) are paid 55% of what reimbursement is typically for specialists Yet, specialists (cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons, etc.) increase the cost of care, increase the number of hospitalizations, and utilize pharmaceuticals in greater numbers, DECREASE lifespan and quality of life. PCP's, on the other hand, INCREASE length of life, DECREASE mortality and decrease all the other parameters I just mentioned like hospitalizations, ...

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I am hearing the term "Community Health Centers" as the "new" concept for primary care inner city and rural health care in the U.S. Well folks- been there and done that!!!     The neighborhood health centers of the 70's DID serve a purpose but DID NOT resolve health care issues for the poor or the middle class may I say. These are primary care centers, typically run with a heart but GREAT inefficiency and with some indifference from the non medical doctor employees- like government employees....
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