Let’s start with this – the Sequestration: What is It?
Sequestration is a legal term used to describe the act of a higher authority taking control of an asset — usually property or money — until a legal dispute is rectified, thus preventing destruction or loss of the asset until appropriate decisions regarding the asset have been made.
In this case, “the sequestration” refers to the Budget Control Act of 2011 which guaranteed that if the congress and president didn’t come to a consensus regarding measures for reducing the budget deficit, there would be across-the-board cuts meaning the treasury would freeze monies from almost every government program including the military and Medicare.
No consensus was met, so the sequestration went into effect on March 1.
So what type of impact will the Sequestration have on Podiatry?
Podiatry is often considered a specialty and as a result, even though a person’s feet are the foundation of their ability to remain independently mobile, people with foot ailments rarely make their feet their highest priority if they don’t have unlimited funds. This will come into play when medical coverage is thinned and is part of the key in determining the impact the sequestration will have on podiatrists.
While the impact the sequestration will have on podiatry can in part be formulated by evaluation of the language in the Budget Control Act, the effect is still largely a product of human behavior and decisions.
Predicting the impact is speculation, but the following is known:
1) March 1st the act went into effect and all Medicare payouts must be in compliance by April 1st. Fewer patients may seek specialty care.
2) There will be a 2% (max) cut in reimbursements for DPMs from Medicare payouts.
3) As of yet, there is no set date for a congressional review of the sequestration. In other words, this could be permanent.
The simple (though speculative) answer:
The impact the sequestration will have on podiatrists is a reduction in reimbursement from Medicare patient as well as potentially fewer patients as public concerns about their own medical coverage loom.
If you have any other questions or wish to schedule an appointment, contact We Treat Feet Podiatry by clicking here to view our various locations and phone numbers!
We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care available in Maryland.
From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.
Our physician team offers treatments for people of all ages, from infants to seniors. No foot is too big, no problem is too big, because remember, We Treat Feet!
