re: Medicare will become insolvent in 2026 — three years earlier than previously forecast

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but it doesn't matter b/c your insurance company pays them whatever they say.

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You were on a roll until this. A doctor's "charge" means shite to a payer. There are contracted rates much less than the "charge". And getting them to even pay the contracted rates is an administrative challenge in itself. There is an entire industry whose sole purpose is working denials for physician offices. Payers use every technicality they can to NOT pay the doctor. Referrals, PA's, incorrect demographics, timely filing, etc....