Question:
I am on SSD and will be eligible for medicare next month. The surgeon I have chosen

isn't accepting any new medicare patients. Since I am entitled to medicare benefits is there a way to self pay (if insurance denies) the surgeon I want and get reimbursed directly by medicare?If insurance does approve, can I get reimbursed from medicare for some of my portion of what insurance co doesn't pay since the surgeon's office won't deal with them directly? I don't want to switch surgeons or choose one based on who will deal with medicare. Thanks    — Julie B. (posted on October 4, 2000)

October 4, 2000
Talk to your surgon he should know how much medicare pays and tell him you are willing to pay the difference he may go for that, or save that money and look to a doc. that accepts medicare assignment.
   — MARK N.