The Florida Medical Association (FMA) announced plans to seek legislative action aimed at addressing insurance practices that it says reduce physician revenue. The group cited two main issues: insurers requiring physicians to accept payments through credit cards instead of electronic fund transfers, and retroactive denials where insurers approve a service but later refuse payment or attempt to recover funds due to changes in a patient’s coverage, such as losing employer-based insurance.
According to the FMA, these practices can result in financial losses for medical practices. “Medical practices should not be forced to lose money because of fees associated with mandatory credit card payments, nor should insurers be allowed to recoup funds or deny payments for services that have been duly authorized,” the organization stated.
The FMA is seeking input from physicians who have encountered these problems. The association is encouraging doctors willing to testify before lawmakers in Tallahassee or speak with their state representatives about these issues to contact Jarrod Fowler, FMA Director of Health Care Policy and Innovation.
