THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 14, 1996 TAG: 9602140010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
David Green's ``Investigate triumvirate charges'' (letter, Jan. 4) suggests a way to balance the budget because of a ``triumvirate - doctors, lawyers and insurance companies - who have the public at their mercy.''
There is no question in my mind that Medicare, Medicaid and health-care-related expenses in general are a major factor in the economy and in the quest for a balanced budget.
However, the accusations made by Mr. Green about the cost of cataract surgery for himself and his wife are unconscionable not only to make but to print in a paper with editorial standards as high as yours.
The 1996 Medicare physician's allowable charge for cataract surgery is $918.22. Medicare pays a grand total of 80 percent of that, equaling $734.58. This is a far cry from Green's claims that ``the doctor's take is $2,500.'' In fact, the Medicare allowable charge for cataract surgery has been reduced by 40 percent since 1985.
In addition, the hospital's allowable charge to Medicare for a cataract surgery is approximately $850. Again, a far cry form the $3,250 asserted by Mr. Green.
The entire country will benefit when the politicians decide to balance the budget in a responsible way. However, it serves no one any good to rely on hysterical and reckless claims about inflated costs when they do not exist. This takes the focus away from where it needs to be to balance the budget.
BARRY F. ATLAS, M.D.
Eastern Virginia Eye Center, P.C.
Portsmouth, Jan. 22, 1996 by CNB