was anticipated earlier. I doubt that is enough to hurt services, at least in the short-term. Agree with you that these are critical services.

Unfortunately, Congress has gotten into this idea that if they increase something here, they have to cut something there. Might work in some cases, but not all. I wish the "there" would become the military budget, but . . . . . . . .

Here's a more detailed discussion -- http://kaiserhealthnews.org/news/faq-could-congress-be-ready-to-fix-medicare-pay-for-doctors-2/

From your link:

Under the bill, the current reimbursement schedule would be replaced with payment increases for doctors for the next five years as Medicare transitions to a new system focused “on quality, value and accountability.” Existing payment incentive programs would be combined into a new “Merit-Based Incentive Payment System” while other alternative payment models would also be created.

“Passage of this historic legislation finally brings an end to an era of uncertainty for Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians — facilitating the implementation of innovative care models that will improve care quality and lower costs,” said Dr. James L. Madara, chief executive officer of the American Medical Association. “Patients will be able to get the care they need and deserve.”

But, it's more like -- was the patient referred to an ophthalmologist when diabetes was diagnosed type thing.

I think outcomes measures are a reasonable approach with the proper adjustments for severity, age, etc.

They are usually hesitant about being investigated for Medicare abuse. Yes, that is true.

They are limited very much in what medications they can prescribe. The CMS has declared many drugs not to be used after certain ages, and they monitor the doctor.

I like to think a doctor who has my life in his hands will be reimbursed fairly.

Some things are just self-evident.

to pay that down. Many would like to serve undeserved communities--but unlike other countries, we saddle our professionals with humongous debt loads, so they have to earn enough to pay it off.