Medicare Opt Out (was...Just signed up to host meeting...)

[Guest guest]

Elaine, What do you mean you can't charge patients if you are not taking Medicare?   My understanding is that if you are not contracted with Medicare as either a participating or non-participating provider, then you just need to have private contracts with Medicare patients and inform them that you do not take Medicare.  I am also in the ambiguous situation of having never contracted with Medicare (coming directly out of residency).  I did manage to talk to a live person at the NY Medicare Part B company, who could not find me in their system, and therefore told me I did not need to 'opt-out' since I was never 'opted-in'.  I still sent in opt-out letters/affadavits to cover my bases.  I plan to act as if I was opted out, and create private contracts just to keep things clear.  Do you know something I don't?Nice webpage by the way, I didn't know you had written a book!-jessThanks for the support. Definitely need it. I am not taking Medicare, not opted in , not opted out, So can't charge pts either. I still have some stuff i have to grind out w the city regarding my office - thats a stress i don't need. Once that is settled, i need to get brochures made, get an ad in paper, organize some talks w guess speakers (local specialists that i know), show movies. I am only shooting for 500 pts on my panel. Also life would be easier if I could sub lease some of my space to other IMP's. I saw another pt today, he got my name from the Blue shield web site. PS the meeting stuff is good publicityOn Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 5:47 PM, Myria <myriaemeny> wrote:You are brave Elaine.I'm open 5 months and not touching that meeting stuff. Nows the time to be practical and let the more experienced tackle those politics.And two patients on your first day is a lot!The learning curve stays steep so don't hurry on the HYH.I'm doing the phone calls but still don'e have that yet..........be very careful of Medicare and do that billing first as I'm still waiting for first payments after 4 returns of forms for foolishness and then a change of company.Feel free to call me if you need encouragement, someone to bemoan being overwhelmed with, etc, etc.  I'm sure it gets better.  And I'll take this kind of overwhelmed any day over the hamster wheel.  Very happy and very tired. --- On Tue, 12/16/08,  <jnantonuccigmail>wrote:From: <jnantonuccigmail>Subject: Re: Just signed up to host meeting and check out my new web site!To:  Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 8:49 AMElaine   I congratulate you for holding such a meeting. I do not wanna do one....And at Chrsitmas timeWhen you are running  a brand new practiceWay to go babe!! I will help you with howsYourhealth anytimeYou can always call me USing my offcie number below gets you my home and cell also( just call me Dr Access):)On Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 2:10 AM,  <elaine2mdgmail (DOT) com> wrote:Thank you everyone. This group is so encouraging. So far I have 4 people RSVP for my health reform meeting. Everyone is off on vacation. Definitely not a good time. Who thought of this time period anyway? Oh well it is a done deal. Should let the local paper know too. Happy Holidays to everyoneOn Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:52 PM, Sharon  <docsharoncox (DOT) net>wrote:Elaine,Congratulations on the first day!And the website looks very good.  Great picture of you with the green plant in the background….I like the image it creates.You are well on your way!Sharon  From: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) com[mailto:Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) com] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:50 PMTo: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) comSubject: Re: [Practiceimprovemen t1] Just signed up to host meeting and check out my new web site! Thanks jean. Got to say, I am exhausted trying to get my practice ready. Saw 2 pt on my first day and that was enough. So much to learn. I still need to sign up for how my health but working on AC and billing firstOn Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 8:04 AM, <jnantonucci@ gmail.com> wrote:nice nice website.Jean On Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:28 AM, <elaine2mdgmail (DOT) com> wrote:I just signed up to host Health Care Reform meeting Dec 20th. Also finished my website-finally. Got most of the ideas from Lonna's Website. Thanks LonnaNext step will be to make a You Tube video...Coming soon--  M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by  email/please note the new email address.Remember  that e-mail may not be entirely secure/    MD         ph   fax --  M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.--  M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by  email/please note the new email address.Remember  that e-mail may not be entirely secure/    MD         ph   fax --  M.D.www.elainemd.comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.