Author Topic: Obamas healthcare reform  (Read 3987 times)

Trisha

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Obamas healthcare reform
« on: November 08, 2009, 11:05:29 PM »
does anyone know how Obamas healthcare reform will affect billers or if it will be a negative impact on us?

PMRNC

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2009, 09:57:49 AM »
Well, I'm more concerned about it as an American rather than a medical biller, but I will guess that if it passes the Senate, it will not take effect until AT least 2013 but then again, with the way our president steam rolls things maybe sooner? I dare to guess it would mean another govt run plan that will go into place along with more Medicaid. I also think we will see more fee schedule cuts, U&C cuts. For some plans we will see higher deductibles, lots of termination dates (as people move towards govt run option), the need for more verification and eligibility checks, more referrals/Auth's. 

I see more of us having to put the best interest of our clients ahead of how we feel as American's. As a consultant my best advice to my clients will be to get out of Medicare, Medicaid and other govt run plans. My clients have already expressed that desire if this should pass.

Those are just my guesses.

I plan to be on the phone all week making phone calls to the Senate and doing my part in expressing my concerns and hopefully making a difference. 
Linda Walker
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www.billerswebsite.com

Michele

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2009, 01:27:54 PM »
Geeze Linda, everything you say contradicts what the president is saying and I'm just so confused?!?!?  -----   NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with all Linda said.  I'm more concerned as an American.  We have a plan B for the medical billing  -  Ice Cream Shop!  It's more fun.

Michele
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MBP

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2009, 01:45:27 PM »
why are you advising providers to get out of medicare/caid and govt programs? i dont want an ice cream shop - now when i got all excited about billing!!  :P

Trisha

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2009, 06:01:24 PM »
I am not trying to come off as an unconcerened american, I am very concerend but this is a double hit for billers.  first the reform and second loss of income. I am reaching out for any news beause I have a family to feed and I am the only income!

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2009, 06:01:24 PM »

PMRNC

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #5 on: November 10, 2009, 09:17:24 AM »
First Don't panic.. If you do a little research online you will see that this bill will most likely NOT pass through the Senate.

Secondly, in this business you have to always be ready for CHANGE and with MOST Changes there is a way to capitalize on it from a business point of view. For example, with this Bill, IF it were to go through, doctors are going to be confused and there will be MANY doctors who will be scrambling for education and there will be many insurance changes down the pike for patients and then you have the new govt run option .. someone has to bill these? Do not view this change as a bite out of our business, it's actually the opposite. The cup is half full, not half empty!
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Michele

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2009, 09:57:26 AM »
Ditto!  Sorry to be so nonchalant about it.  It's just still so far away (but not too far to be contacting politicians to voice your opinion!) that so much can still happen.  I'm not a worrier.  In fact, most of the time I see the glass as 3/4 full.  But when we have a difficult day, we like to dream about opening an ice cream stand!  Just to keep things in perspective.

The best thing you can do is just keep your eye on what's going on.  The more knowledge you have the better.  Then when whatever happens happens, you will not be surprised, you will be educated.  Like Linda said, many providers are not paying any attention and will be scrambling when something happens.  That's when you will be there to help them out!

Michele
« Last Edit: November 10, 2009, 09:59:03 AM by Michele »
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Trisha

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #7 on: November 10, 2009, 12:03:25 PM »
thank you for putting things in a better perspective. I have been researching the reform on line and I am the type that reads everything I can get my hands on.  What put me in a panic is listening to someone outside our line of work. That is why I turned to the forum for some perspective on things. Thanks again!

PMRNC

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2009, 05:37:29 PM »
If you think about it, Outsourced billing companies will be in higher demand as doctors make cut/backs in staff even if the Healthcare Reform Bill tanks. This is a trend we are already seeing, I've taken a few calls from doctors researching outsourced solutions in order to make cut backs. I am never comfortable with that situation if it means I'm taking a job, but that is why I'm in business. I won't however take on a provider that doesn't at least have a gatekeeper/Office manager on staff. Too much trouble.
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

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Re: Obamas healthcare reform
« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2009, 05:37:29 PM »