General Discussion

Ms. Toad

(38,793 posts)

80. The story is anecdotal reporting,

Sat Oct 6, 2012, 02:46 PM

Oct 2012

not a study which measures a trend.

Even as anectodal, it refers to a "small but growing" number and the only specific numbers mentioned were 1500 doctors (out of 954,000 in the country) who are members of an organization which doesn't reject cash entirely - but directs patients to doctors who offer discounts for cash payments. The doctor who founded the organization has insurance (high deductible) coupled with a Health Savings Account - he is not advocating abolishing insurance (or that doctor reject patients with insurance) - merely a rethinking whether we should be using insurance for minor routine care. http://www.afcm.org/cherewatenko.html

I'm still not seeing anything which indicates doctors refusing to accept insurance is (or is becoming) a significant problem.

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A doctor who won't take any insurance or Medicare? Yank their license, plus imprisonment. [View all] Zalatix Oct 2012 OP

Um what? Texasgal Oct 2012 #1

Nope, the op has no clue. nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #3

I know how it works if a doctor won't take any insurance and you have to pay out of pocket. Zalatix Oct 2012 #7

Maybe go to a doctor that takes your insurance? Texasgal Oct 2012 #10

And as I said, this problem is growing. So finding a doctor that takes your insurance Zalatix Oct 2012 #12

Why is it growing? Texasgal Oct 2012 #13

More doctors are also refusing Medicare. Is Medicare a greedy corporation? Zalatix Oct 2012 #14

YES. It is. Texasgal Oct 2012 #16

It's not Medicare that is greedy. Zalatix Oct 2012 #17

How about we reimburse the doctors Texasgal Oct 2012 #21

Yes, we should reimburse doctors decently. Zalatix Oct 2012 #62

I understand, but you cannot throw a doctor Texasgal Oct 2012 #69

i concede on the jail part. Zalatix Oct 2012 #91

the poor don't get medicare unless they're disabled. You have spent the last few days here notadmblnd Oct 2012 #98

One, I don't EVER give up. Two you just got discredited Zalatix Oct 2012 #100

PLUS, the disabled don't qualify for 2 YEARS Glitterati Oct 2012 #105

I never said all Drs take Medicare notadmblnd Oct 2012 #117

No one said you did. Confused much? Zalatix Oct 2012 #119

haha :-) crazyjoe Oct 2012 #168

CREATE MORE MEDICAL SCOOLS! Getting into medical school is very competitive and there Auntie Bush Oct 2012 #170

Good luck finding people that will go through 4 years of undergrad Biology, Pacafishmate Oct 2012 #216

You are wrong about insurance, but not Medicare. Daemonaquila Oct 2012 #24

Well, the problem is that poor folks with HMO plans are the ones who suffer the most. Zalatix Oct 2012 #27

You think you can force people into working as doctors, taking certain things as payment? Honeycombe8 Oct 2012 #66

Yes, I know, people won't want to be doctors. Zalatix Oct 2012 #81

I don't know what you do for a living, but let's say WE decide WE don't like how YOU are Honeycombe8 Oct 2012 #122

#1, I wasn't cussing at you. #2 do you realize how much cussing goes on around here? Zalatix Oct 2012 #135

The times I've needed to take a car in for repair after an accident, SheilaT Oct 2012 #110

I called ins. co. to clear the co. I chose....took my car in...the body shop handled Honeycombe8 Oct 2012 #125

No, what I'm saying is that there are people who can't find doctors who'll take their insurance or Zalatix Oct 2012 #149

That's the same thing. Honeycombe8 Oct 2012 #160

You do not believe that the situation exists? That's the problem right there. Zalatix Oct 2012 #182

That is Medicare or Medicaid. Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #184

Medicare and Medicaid are medical insurance. Zalatix Oct 2012 #185

Medicare and Medicaid are government programs. Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #187

It would be a problem even without Obamacare. Zalatix Oct 2012 #189

I'm not arguing that it is not a problem with Medicare/Medicaid Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #190

Go to a different doctor. One that takes your insurance. It is not rocket science. MADem Oct 2012 #111

My GP doesn't take insurance, not even Medicare. Pab Sungenis Oct 2012 #126

And if you yank that doctor's license, they don't provide care either Telly Savalas Oct 2012 #162

I am sorry but first, you think this doctor nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #2

It happened to my best friend in the state of Missouri near onecent Oct 2012 #4

That is not exactly what the OP is talking about nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #5

Doctors should not be allowed to refuse ALL insurance, especially not Medicare. Zalatix Oct 2012 #9

So you want a medical office to close up shop nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #19

Well, there we go. Keep the medical office open so they can only serve the rich. Zalatix Oct 2012 #20

Most people that pay out of pocket Texasgal Oct 2012 #22

And they never will get rich making those payments. Zalatix Oct 2012 #31

You know your so called solutions are utopian at best nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #35

What was NOT factual about my above post? Zalatix Oct 2012 #39

You can't have a free lunch nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #43

Medicare for All, and what if more doctors just stop taking Medicare? Zalatix Oct 2012 #56

Look north dear nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #58

I know it's a single payor system. But what law would say the doctor HAS to take Medicare? Zalatix Oct 2012 #60

When it does it will be sudden nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #63

Until then the poor are screwed if they live in an area full of cash-only doctors. Zalatix Oct 2012 #68

Well if that is La Jolla, which is the only place that could even distantly happen nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #146

There's at least one person here Zalatix Oct 2012 #148

You are accusing me of not giving a shit? nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #165

I don't know all the details - Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #186

Look, I have I know there are issues Texasgal Oct 2012 #41

I know managed care is bleeding us slowly. I also know that if this cash-only bullshit grows Zalatix Oct 2012 #61

That's why we need healthcare reform. Texasgal Oct 2012 #73

That is exactly why we need insurance reform. Go after the insurance companies that don't uppityperson Oct 2012 #196

Rather than finding out your doctor won't take your insurance you're more apt to find out dflprincess Oct 2012 #145

Careful, you'll be accused of spouting right wing talking points. Zalatix Oct 2012 #147

for real!!! lunasun Oct 2012 #102

We should be having all sorts of related conversations matt819 Oct 2012 #97

It sounds like she signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan, MineralMan Oct 2012 #15

I think you are exactly right about Medicare Advantage, and now is the time to switch. Hoyt Oct 2012 #38

And burn their eyes out with hot pokers... on TV cthulu2016 Oct 2012 #6

I take it that you don't work in health care and don't know any doctors. MH1 Oct 2012 #8

The poor cannot afford doctors who don't take insurance. I'm not sure what's unclear about that. Zalatix Oct 2012 #11

Then up the Medicare reimbursement rate. MH1 Oct 2012 #30

Yes, very good ideas. I cannot say this loud enough. But... what do the poor people do until then? Zalatix Oct 2012 #32

Suffer Scootaloo Oct 2012 #42

Sorry, I actually have worked in the front lines of this nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #44

If we stay the course it will destroy itself when only the rich can afford care. Zalatix Oct 2012 #55

My dear why do you think reform is already under way? nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #57

So if you've been looking for a doctor who takes Medicare for 4 months, what do you do? SUFFER? Zalatix Oct 2012 #154

Your frist problem in South East San Diego is finding a doctor nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #164

Oh what a pantload. Texasgal Oct 2012 #46

Concern for those in need drips from your every word, like fresh honey. Scootaloo Oct 2012 #151

You underestimate the level of concern. The poor can just languish in limbo until GREAT REFORMS PASS Zalatix Oct 2012 #153

Ummm..okay. Texasgal Oct 2012 #155

I've read your posts. Scootaloo Oct 2012 #158

So you're going to take it out of the hide of the DOCTOR??? MH1 Oct 2012 #48

The doctors are taking it out on the hides of the PATIENTS. Zalatix Oct 2012 #53

you are WRONG backwoodsbob Oct 2012 #84

Fine. What do you propose we do about this? Zalatix Oct 2012 #85

Bullshit. Why do you hate doctors so much? MH1 Oct 2012 #109

What advice do you have for people whose Medicare coverage is being refused? Oh, I know, SUFFER. Zalatix Oct 2012 #152

He asked, "What will poor people do until then?" Scootaloo Oct 2012 #150

Find a doctor that will? Texasgal Oct 2012 #156

At least one poster here knows someone who's not been able to find a doctor for FOUR MONTHS. Zalatix Oct 2012 #157

I have another solution, which is a POLICY based one nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #176

No, the problem is that you are a very selective reader Scootaloo Oct 2012 #191

Good bye nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #202

Whatever it takes for you to evade the question, I guess Scootaloo Oct 2012 #213

This poor person has Medicaid cali Oct 2012 #50

And if your doctor refused to take Medicaid, where would you be? Zalatix Oct 2012 #54

If ifs and ands were pots and pans and all the sea were ink.... cali Oct 2012 #67

So for those who are poor and get stung with that cash-only bullshit... Zalatix Oct 2012 #77

So you have no evidence what-so-fucking-ever, honey? cali Oct 2012 #86

I've had enough of your denials, your apathy, your bogus arguments. Zalatix Oct 2012 #143

What good is taking medicare payments if they don't cover the cost? uppityperson Oct 2012 #197

I don't know much about doctors and their procedures. I do however have a relative who is a dentist. southernyankeebelle Oct 2012 #18

I am not surprised that no one responded to your post. It goes against the narrative of some DUERS. bluestate10 Oct 2012 #200

I can understand both sides. We have to find a way to take care of every one. southernyankeebelle Oct 2012 #208

What about a doctor that won't take CASH??? Manifestor_of_Light Oct 2012 #23

That is so weird treestar Oct 2012 #28

A few different kinds of businesses won't take cash these days. Honeycombe8 Oct 2012 #71

I don't do electronic cash for small purchases. SheilaT Oct 2012 #113

Meh...no big deal. I'll have a heart attack young if I let little things get to me. Honeycombe8 Oct 2012 #121

I don't believe I have ever been in a place where I'd be purchasing something and SheilaT Oct 2012 #141

No cash on premises = no armed robberies? Not that difficult to understand. (nt) Nye Bevan Oct 2012 #79

My doctors office gives a discount marlakay Oct 2012 #204

I have a better idea... cherokeeprogressive Oct 2012 #25

Insurance is only a method of payment treestar Oct 2012 #26

Many do Glitterati Oct 2012 #34

Many people do not understand that filing insurance is their responsibility... Phentex Oct 2012 #90

True. You're still paying the bill, you just have the insurance treestar Oct 2012 #103

That is not entirely correct. Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #112

One thing I've never quite understood treestar Oct 2012 #123

It is because of the negotiated fees with the insurance companies Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #137

I agree with everything but your title Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #114

sorry, no.... mike_c Oct 2012 #29

Sez the "police state" guy jberryhill Oct 2012 #33

Actually, a concept that could bring down the cost of going to the doctor - lynne Oct 2012 #36

I currently go to a dr that doesn't take insurance cpamomfromtexas Oct 2012 #37

From your first paragraph, it sounds as if it is the insurance company - not the doctor. Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #51

Neither of my DO's consider themselves mainstream. cpamomfromtexas Oct 2012 #92

There are lots of iatrogenic illnesses- Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #116

Please document your claim that a growing number of doctors won't take any insurance. Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #40

Bingo!!!! nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #45

Yeah, I am finding it very hard to believe Texasgal Oct 2012 #47

Hopefully the Gannett Company isn't a right wing media company. Zalatix Oct 2012 #59

It is. Glitterati Oct 2012 #70

The story is anecdotal reporting, Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #80

It is a problem that stared with Part D nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #167

Agreed - Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #183

I know, the other solution is do what nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #201

Ok - when we take over the world, we'll start there. Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #209

Yes, Gannet is RW and has been RW longer than FOX has existed nadinbrzezinski Oct 2012 #166

That's just ridiculous. Like the parallel inverse of teabag "logic" Care Acutely Oct 2012 #49

There are insurance companies JoeyT Oct 2012 #52

The cost would be prohibitive procon Oct 2012 #64

A good way to empty out medical schools and worsen the doctor shortage mainer Oct 2012 #65

As most physicians are prohibited from any kind of collective bargaining, the cbayer Oct 2012 #72

Definitely the view of a person who doesn't know jsmirman Oct 2012 #74

Not to mention filing Texasgal Oct 2012 #78

He really, really was jsmirman Oct 2012 #82

It would be helpful. bluestate10 Oct 2012 #206

All those are good ideas jsmirman Oct 2012 #214

prison?...really? backwoodsbob Oct 2012 #75

I admit, the prison thing is a bit overmuch. Zalatix Oct 2012 #83

So a doctor who just wants to practice medicine, as opposed to doing paperwork and forms, Nye Bevan Oct 2012 #76

Blame the insurance companies, not the doctors OhioChick Oct 2012 #87

Hang on folks, Obama started a program Glitterati Oct 2012 #88

Is that part of the ACA? It's a fucking genius law. Which is why I am fighting for 4 more years! Zalatix Oct 2012 #93

I honestly don't know. Glitterati Oct 2012 #95

It's through HRSA Care Acutely Oct 2012 #124

Was it enacted as part of Obamacare? Glitterati Oct 2012 #127

You're way off base matt819 Oct 2012 #89

Very VERY well said! The OP's argument is illogical... Phentex Oct 2012 #94

So to hell with the poor who can't afford this cash-for-care bullshit? Gotcha. Zalatix Oct 2012 #101

In most cases, that is it exactly Glitterati Oct 2012 #104

In the long term it's a no-brainer, we need to make sure doctors are compensated. Zalatix Oct 2012 #106

Medicare is bad, but try finding a Doctor who takes MEDICAID Glitterati Oct 2012 #107

It seems nobody here cares about that. Zalatix Oct 2012 #134

My daughter has had a chronic illness since she was 4. Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #138

You're very lucky Glitterati Oct 2012 #175

I'm sorry your dad had such challenges - Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #188

Thank you Glitterati Oct 2012 #192

I'm sure it is too late now - Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #193

Well, that's what is wrong with the ER as healthcare Glitterati Oct 2012 #194

Absolutely! Ms. Toad Oct 2012 #195

Family Practice docs went into medicine to "get rich"? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha uppityperson Oct 2012 #198

One more thing matt819 Oct 2012 #96

One of my doctors quit practicing medicine in the North East because of costs - now he works on an NotThisTime Oct 2012 #99

I'm glad we at DU don't indulge in extremism or hysteria... LadyHawkAZ Oct 2012 #108

The payment only doctor in my area charges $30/office visit Nikia Oct 2012 #115

Does he have an office staff? Blue Idaho Oct 2012 #132

I do wonder if he is making any money Nikia Oct 2012 #181

I agree Blue Idaho Oct 2012 #199

That's how I feel as well. nt Comrade_McKenzie Oct 2012 #118

I think we here in the US place too many in prison right now. nt ZombieHorde Oct 2012 #120

Say what? Indpndnt Oct 2012 #128

In reality, here is how it goes. "The doctor is not taking new patients." End of story. cr8tvlde Oct 2012 #129

This is going to be an issue going forward.... Swede Atlanta Oct 2012 #130

It has always been this way, per my memory. Honeycombe8 Oct 2012 #161

Does he take chickens? Blue Idaho Oct 2012 #131

I've never had a problem finding a doctor who takes Medicare. In fact, most of them in this POOR.... Ghost in the Machine Oct 2012 #133

Then what about post #130? Zalatix Oct 2012 #140

I didn't write post #130 Ghost in the Machine Oct 2012 #144

Doctors are licensed and regulated on a state-by-state basis, so it's not that simple. n/t porphyrian Oct 2012 #136

In Actuality the Number of Doctors NOT Taking Medicare or Insurance is Usually Overstated Indykatie Oct 2012 #139

I was referred to one like that for psychiatric care, because they had an opening. moriah Oct 2012 #142

There is a shortage of primary doctors as it is Incitatus Oct 2012 #159

If I were a GP doctor, I'd not accept insurance. Chan790 Oct 2012 #163

My doctor doesn't accept any insurance either. meaculpa2011 Oct 2012 #171

pretty friggin stupid idea.... dionysus Oct 2012 #169

My Dr. of 30 years CANCELED me last year...he no longer takes medicare or welfare patients.! Auntie Bush Oct 2012 #172

One in three doctors finished in the bottom third of his or her medical school class anyway slackmaster Oct 2012 #173

That's just not true Glitterati Oct 2012 #174

I believe it! In today's paper, there are three related articles... Phentex Oct 2012 #177

Hey, you know what, I can compromise. Post #97 actually sounds rational. Zalatix Oct 2012 #179

Well, my experience leads me where the OP went Glitterati Oct 2012 #180

who would go to them? clydefrand Oct 2012 #178

I don't agree Xipe Totec Oct 2012 #203

You are right, there has to be some give in the situation. bluestate10 Oct 2012 #207

Yup. I'm between a rock and a hard place on this one. Xipe Totec Oct 2012 #210

Um... markpkessinger Oct 2012 #205

I'm not exactly sure I want to go to someone Fla_Democrat Oct 2012 #211

HMO? Only if you pay yourself up front HockeyMom Oct 2012 #212

This message was self-deleted by its author Pacafishmate Oct 2012 #215