At a time when threatened cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates could make it increasingly difficult for physicians to treat Medicare patients, many doctors are rethinking keeping Medicare patients as part of their practice. There is also a terrible scarcity of geriatricians (doctors that specialize in those over 65). Yet this is a population that deserves to remain active and independent.

Erickson Retirement Communities, my employer is about to launch its first free-standing medical practice for senior citizens in August in Howard County Maryland. Weare also considering expanding with similar off-site offices in Maryland and throughout the country, where needs for this are evident.

The new Erickson Health Medical Center in Columbia, Md, will serve adults 65 and older who are covered by Medicare. This practice will be the first for Erickson outside of our 20 retirement campuses.

According to a recent article in the Baltimore Sun and AP wires, “doctors are moving away from providing care for seniors because of Medicare reimbursement cuts, Erickson is highly focused on developing a sustainable and affordable model of medical care for this population,” said Dr. Matthew Narrett, chief medical officer for Erickson. “We’re all aware of the fact that seniors, even in Howard County, which is one of the wealthiest counties, are medically underserved. There are fewer and fewer physicians who will take new Medicare patients.” See http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-bz.erickson08jul08,0,6330651.story
 

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