by Anthony Austin
TYLER (KYTX) - Impending Medicare cuts have East Texas doctors and patients worried. CBS 19's Anthony Austin explains why local doctors are asking for your help.
For several years, Medicare has created issues for physicians. That's why doctors across the country, including right here in East Texas, are urging Congress to create a real solution to the Medicare crisis. They say the way they are reimbursed for treating Medicare patients is not enough to maintain their practices.
Signs are posted in doctor's offices across the United States - posters urging patients to sign a petition to stop the Medicare meltdown.
"We have over 50,000 signatures - that's just in the state of Texas."
Dr. Jeffrey Pennell is president of the Smith County Medical Society. The doctor is on a mission to collect one million signatures from those who want to see a permanent Medicare solution.
"We don't want anything to interfere with our ability to care take care of the patients we have grown to love."
Congress has enacted a 21% cut to doctors' Medicare payments. The cut is scheduled to take place on June 1st. "The 21.3% cut would simply be too much for many practices to sustain."
Basically, doctors would lose $13.05 per visit with the impending reimbursement cuts. "Anyone can see that is not a feasible way to practice medicine."
A survey conducted by the Texas Medical Association says 53% of doctors in Texas will no longer take Medicare patients if the cuts go through.
"I've been on Medicare for 13 years." For patients like Kenneth Beaman, they risk being dropped by the doctors they have established a relationship with. "I would try to get a private doctor that I would pay out of my pocket."
And paying out a pocket is not always possible for those on Medicare. "They're really hurting the people who are on Medicare."
And hurting those who watch over us.
"Our seniors, military folks and families, people with disabilities...these people need to have access to care and a choice."
If you'd like to sign the petition, you can click on any of the links below.
