OCTOBER 2021
VOLUME XXXV, NUMBER 07
OCTOBER 2021, VOLUME XXXV, NUMBER 07
Like the plot of Groundhog Day replaying itself year after year, physicians once again need to rally together to convince Congress and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that cuts, in some cases exceeding 9.75% to Medicare reimbursement, are not beneficial, particularly at a time when so much is asked of our health care system. For some provider types, 9.75% is the tip of the iceberg: the newest Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), coupled with the expiration of previous Congressional relief, is set to slash payments to radiology providers by 11.75, and in some cases, nearly 20%.
Health care in the United States is incredibly complex and fragmented. Patients are often assessed, treated and monitored by multiple clinicians in multiple facilities which can result in a rushed and complicated episode of care that includes many players and interactions.
Studies consistently show nearly one out of five people will experience diagnosable symptoms of a mental illness in their lifetime, and less than half of them will ever seek the treatment they need.
To help understand engineering in health care, it’s helpful to compare it to the human body. Each health care facility has a skeletal system which is the building structure, internal organs are like the mechanical / plumbing system, nervous system is comparable to the electrical / IT systems, and think of the skin as the walls that hold it all inside.
AUGUST 2024
(612) 728-8600 | comments@mppub.com
758 Riverview Ave | St. Paul MN 55107
© Minnesota Physician Publishing · All Rights Reserved. 2023
We welcome the submission of manuscripts and letters for possible publication. All views and opinions expressed by authors of published articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily express those of Minnesota Physician Publishing Inc., or this publication. The contents herein are believed to be accurate but are not intended to replace medical, legal, tax, business or other professional advice or counsel. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission from our publisher.