This is a letter from John Kerry's forum. I think everyone needs to know about this. It just pisses me off.
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Beginning January 2005 changes in Medicare regulation will affect your potions for receiving certain implanted or infused medications. We are sharing the best information we have at present in an effort to keep you informed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Federal Government has changed the reimbersement for many drugs including Luprolides (for example Lupron, Viadur, Eligard, Zolodex), and other infusion medications such as Zometa. Under the new reimbursement arrangements, most medical practices will no longer be able to afford to stock the medication in their offices. We will not even know how much Medicare will reimburse the providers until they issue their payment information, which may be late this calendar year.
UNLESS THE CURRENT PLAN IS CHANGED, AS OF JAUNARY 1 2005 it appears that you will need to purchase these drugs directly from the pharmacy of your choice, then bring them to the physician office for administration. Our physicians and office staff are prepared to continue medication administration and administering your other medical treatments.
THERE ARE SURGICAL ALTERNATIVES TO CONTINUING DRUG THERAPY, and your physician will duscuss these with your if you whsh. Please let us know if you wish to discuss alternatives with your physician.
THESE REGULATORY CHANGES are scheduled to go into effect in January of 2005, but this could possibly change if your Congressional representative is made aware how many lives are affected by this policy. You may contact your representative by calling the main House of Representatives number 202-224-3121, or on the internet at www.house.gov
We regret that these proposed changes will create an inconvenience or hardship for any of our patients. We belive it important to notify all patients of the upcoming changes in a timely manner so each could have time to consider how they wished to proceed.
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http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?act=ST&f=19&t=85380&st=0#entry564739