Medicare unfair to doctors

Last November, Group Health in Coeur d’Alene closed. We had to search for a new family doctor. Almost every doctor’s office we called told us that they would not take any new Medicare patients. We had lists of doctors to call, which were provided by Group Health. We also went through the phone book and did everything we could to find a doctor.

I recently had a series of surgeries and saw all the billing. I was in shock at what was billed and how little Medicare paid to my doctor. They did, however, pay a more reasonable amount to the hospital, anesthesia, home health care, etc. The surgeon received the least from Medicare and was the most involved over a four-month period. I can now understand why doctors will not take Medicare patients.

I did contact a number of Idaho legislators regarding the problem and received very little response. There should be a reasonable amount paid to the doctors from Medicare. I do not know if Obamacare is part of the problem or not. If Medicare is not fairer with their reimbursements, seniors will not be able to find a doctor at all!

Roy Tiefisher

Coeur d’Alene