Untangling Medicare pay

Re “Doctors sick of Medicare pay delays,” Nov. 8

It’s not easy to acknowledge mistakes, but your article fairly points out that the CMS transition plan didn’t work the way in which it was intended. We are aware of the issues and are in the process of solving the problem by updating provider enrollment records while at the same time ensuring the integrity of the Medicare program.

First, we are making payments to eligible Medicare providers in financial distress by offering an advance against future billings. Affected physicians can learn more and review the instructions at https://www.palmettogba.com/J1B. I have instructed my staff to streamline the approval process.

Second, we are working closely with our contractor, Palmetto GBA, to focus special attention on cases that have taken the longest to resolve.

Finally, we are in regular contact with the California Medical Assn. and the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Assn. to identify and resolve issues -- and to ensure timely feedback to the physician community.

We are well aware that the providers serving our Medicare beneficiaries deserve better. Our goal is to address the entire backlog of overdue applications that impact payment by the end of this year.

Kerry Weems

Washington

The writer is the acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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Thank you for addressing this issue. Medicare has not paid me since March 2007. The problem existed long before the transition to Palmetto.

When I requested a change of address -- apparently a daunting request -- I was told it was necessary to reapply for membership as if I were new to the system. Though I was in practice for more than 47 years and had been chief of surgery at two local hospitals -- and chief of staff at one of them -- it was necessary to reestablish my standing.

They required that I fill out a new form that had the heft of a small telephone book and resubmit my diplomas and certifications. Each cycle of receipt of materials took eight weeks -- and every eight weeks I was informed that some part was incorrect or missing. Because they were unable to find the records I sent them, they deduced that I had not submitted them.

To date, I have not received payment.

Robert A. Schmit MD

Torrance

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If our government can’t do a better job keeping up with Medicare payments, just imagine what it would be like with universal healthcare. If you think there is a shortage of doctors now, you haven’t seen anything yet.

Betty Barr

Orange