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. Mr. Norrgard argued that AARP is emphasizing the satisfaction of taking personal responsibility through monitoring Medicare statements, and not the possibility of financial gain. Yet some claim that the tone of the campaign is more zealous than educational, a fact that troubles many physicians. Physicians are also concerned about the volume of phone calls the campaign may produce. According to the College's statement, doctors may have to spend more time fielding questions about Medicare statements and less time treating patients.