Posted August 13, 2013 -- A story by the Wall Street Journal reports numbers released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) indicate that fewer physicians are treating patients enrolled in Medicare, largely due to issues related to payment rates and the increase of burdensome rules.
9,539 physicians who had previously accepted Medicare opted out in 2012 according to data released by CMS. While only a small percentage of the 685,000 physicians that do accept Medicare patients, the number of doctors leaving the program has tripled from 2009 when only 3,700 physicians opted out of the program. Many of those physicians that are still taking Medicare patients are reducing the number they treat. This is the first time that CMS has ever released opt out data related to the Medicare program
About Me
- E. Bradley Garber MD FACS
- Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
- I was born in New Orleans. I obtained my B.A. degree with Distinction and Phi Beta Kappa Honors from the University of Colorado. I obtained my M.D. degree from L.S.U. Medical Center. I completed a 5 year surgery residency specializing in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Denver Colorado. I served in the military and spent two years in Germany at Landstuhl Army Medical Center. From 1983-1985, I trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Miami, Florida under world renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Ralph Millard. I have been in solo practice for over 20 years performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. I have obtained Board Certification by two boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialities: The Amercian Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery. I have served as President of the Tulsa County Medical Society and Chief of Surgery at St. John Medical Center. It has been an honor and priviledge to provide surgical care to my patients. email: bradgarber@sbcglobal.net