By Phyllis Maguire Physicians across the country are protesting HCFA's efforts to enlist Medicare patients in the war on fraud and abuse, predicting that they will lead to tensions between providers and Medicare beneficiaries. Physicians around the country echoed Dr. McDonald's concerns, fearing that the initiative will drive a wedge between physicians and patients and erode their foundation of trust.
Data show that the public already overestimates the magnitude of health care fraud.
Critics are afraid that the HCFA campaign is playing upon such patient misconceptions. While she applauds efforts to encourage consumers to monitor Medicare statements, she thinks the thrust of this campaign is to cast doubts about doctors in patients' minds. The AARP, however, counters that the campaign is legitimate. Critics are wary of the government's use of financial incentives. HCFA officials claim, however, that rewards will not be given to tipsters who help uncover billing errors.