Statement by Shastri Swaminathan, MD, President
Illinois State Medical Society
June 30 , 2008
Re: Congress' Failure to Pass SB 6331
"We are shocked and frustrated that Congress has not put aside its political differences to keep Medicare patients' access to doctors uninterrupted. The effects of a 10.6 percent Medicare payment cut for doctors' services could cripple the entire health care system because most health insurance companies base their reimbursement rates on Medicare. So when doctors say this Medicare cut will drastically reduce our ability to see patients, we're not exaggerating - we're worried about keeping our doors open for patients."
ISMS is a professional membership association representing over 12,000 physicians practicing in all medical specialties statewide. Dr. Swaminathan is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in Chicago, IL.