U.S. plans Medicare payment cuts
Jul. 16, 2006 at 9:53PM
Doctors, hospitals and patient groups are bracing for possible cuts in Medicare payments to hospitals for some treatments and technologies.
The Bush administration is planning to cut payments for many complex treatments and new technologies by 20 percent to 30 percent, The New York Times reported. The cuts -- the biggest changes since the current payment system was adopted in 1983 -- are intended to improve the accuracy of payment rates, said federal officials.
However, doctors, hospitals and patient groups say the effects could be devastating, the Times reported.
U.S. officials said the current system includes financial incentives for hospitals to treat certain patients in cases where they can profit, and avoid others whose cases promise less profit.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt told the newspaper the new system will base payments on hospital costs, rather than charges, and would be flexible to reflect the severity of a patient's illness.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/upi/2006 ... -5152r.htm

Stop giving all our tax dollars to foreign countries, illegals that are here and stupid organizations, stupid grants, etc.!