The Washington Post article as described in the Kaiser report
says it is common sense to prohibit doctors from referring Medicaid or
Medicare patients to specialty hospitals in which the doctors have “a
financial stake”. This does not make sense to me. A specialty
hospital is created to provide a better service than a community
hospital. Doctors wouldn’t have a financial stake in them if they did
not also feel they would provide a better service and thus be a good
investment. Why then are the legislators even considering this bill
sponsored by Grassley & Baucus. The Washington Post even says it
should become law quickly. There is a federal moratorium on Medicare
payments to specialty hospitals. Other than the “common sense” that all
doctors are crooks out to make a profit, why do our safety net
recipients need this kindly government protection?
