Today, (December 1, 2013) In the Tampa Tribune came vindication in the form of an article by Nobel Prize-winning Economist, Paul Krugman. Small victories through Medicare and the ACA reducing costs by reducing what we are being charged and many other small victories that will help make Healthcare affordable for all. But one point he made was one that my former doctor failed to make to me because I knew better. Doctors who are upset with some of the most dramatic changes are upset because the "fee for service" model is being lost to them. It was a way that doctors have been making money hand over fist since the late 70's and 80's. Some are extremely upset with this turn of events (one was once one of my doctors) and are trying to make it sound like they will not be able to make a living under the new laws When the real problem is not just making a living but making a huge profit by multiplying the services provided (whether they are needed or not). I was told ...by one doctor that this would lead to doctors abandoning their practices here (retiring or moving somewhere else--I wanted to ask where but when the doctor is treating you, you don't get testy if you understand what I'm saying.) He told me that doctors would now be held accountable for patients who did not take care of themselves (implied "diabetics like me"). This is what is REALLY happening: "Medicare (&ACA) is also encouraging a shift from fee-for-service in which doctors and hospitals' get paid by the procedure to 'accountable care' in which health organizations get rewarded (not penalized) for OVERALL success in improving care while CONTROLING COSTS" It's time to learn the truth and tell the truth even when someone in authority tries to bang you over the head with lies!
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