Texas Physician Closes Practice, Citing Medicare Headaches

San Antonio pulmonologist Michael R. Natalino, MD, is closing his 27-year-old practice, citing unpredictability of Medicare reimbursements and growing paperwork, according to a report by My San Antonio Health.

Dr. Natalino said his practice has been running in the red because Medicare hasn't reimbursed him for $500,000 in claims during the past year.

Medicare uses "any reason to slow down, reduce or basically stop payment," Dr. Natalino said. He had two employees handling Medicare, one to send in the claims and the other to handle denials.

"I don't wish to continue to be angry and anxious and frustrated all the time," he said.

Read the My San Antonio Health report on Medicare.

Read Becker's coverage of Medicare.

With Medicare Fee Cut Looming, Physicians Weigh Their Options

Health Law's Controversial Payment Board Holds Promise But May Backfire

Texas Physicians Opting Out of Medicare at Higher Rate

© Copyright ASC COMMUNICATIONS 2012. Interested in LINKING to or REPRINTING this content? View our policies by clicking here.