A preliminary analysis of responses from the AMC/NOMA member survey released last week reveals nearly 40% of physicians in Northeast Ohio are contemplating closing their practice to new Medicare patients in light of the payment cuts slated for next year and the expected financial hardship they will cause. ((MEMBERS: If you haven’t already, please return your completed survey to AMC/NOMA soon so that the most comprehensive data can be assessed and utilized for our advocacy efforts on your behalf!))
Compounded by the rippling effects of the medical malpractice crisis in the region, several physicians indicated they were considering closing practices or sizing up early retirement options. Another 23% said if Congress fails to fix the SGR, they will stop seeing Medicare beneficiaries altogether. More complete survey findings will be published in future communications of the AMC/NOMA and used in our continued letter campaign to Congress and CMS as well as to the local community and media. *Please see the AMC/NOMA response to a related article, which will be published in the Letters to the Editor section of this Sunday’s Plain Dealer. AMC/NOMA members are urged to write letters to members of Congress in support of SB 1081 and HR 2356 – see our web site for details and sample letters at www.amcnoma.org.