Opinion
Pa.'s $12 solution to control costs
LETTER — Posted July 9, 2007
Regarding "Pennsylvania governor touts cost control in health reform plan" (Article, June 11): I have some experience with Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell's health spending cost-containment program. Two years ago, I was rousted out of bed by our ER and asked to come and admit a two-year-old Pennsylvania Medicaid recipient who had dehydrated. The child was sent back to Pennsylvania in good health a day or so later, and I began my quest to be compensated for my time and expertise.
It took a year, included several communications with the governor's office, to become a Pennsylvania Medicaid provider. I was then paid what Pennsylvania thought was my due: a check for $12. I spent more than that in postage and telephone calls to the Pennsylvania Medicaid office.
It's no surprise to me that Pennsylvania ranks 46th out of 50 states in Medicaid payments to physicians. But if Gov. Rendell really wants to cut costs, just send Pennsylvania Medicaid recipients across state lines for their care and then continue to not pay those who take care of them.
Ronald B. Elder, MD, Russellville, Ky.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/07/09/edlt0709.htm.
