Dr. Schneider, why are you turning this into a
finger pointing match? You have correctly stated
the facts... "There are those who would dishonor
themselves and their profession, but I believe
that they are few and far between. Personally, I
do not know nor have I ever known a colleague who
intentionally billed for services not performed.
The only instance where I see that is in the
reporting done in this forum where someone was
caught."
"Few and far between" is not the point. The
problem is that we are still a small profession
(by numbers) and there is little room for error
(i.e., fraudulent billing). I think that Dr.
Moskowitz understands what "routine care" is and
when it is a covered entity. It matters not who
ordered it if it is only routine care (ie. Nail
trimming, etc...). President Obama's order does
automatically make it covered. Yes, there are
plenty of our colleagues that will dishonor and
continue to dishonor themselves and our
profession.
I don't personally know of any of my colleagues
who have done that, but I know for a fact that it
happens in my city (and trust me it happens in
Denver as well). There are "cheats" in all
businesses and professions. The point of his
message is to practice and run your business
with the highest level of morality and integrity
so you DON'T dishonor our great profession.
The medical arena is already scrutinized enough
and there is no reason to cheat the system over
$40-$50 (yes, every visit can be justified
by "good" notes, though the service was still not
justified).
David L. Kahan, DPM, Sacramento, CA,
Dkahan1@comcast.net
