What are the reasons a doctor would refuse Medicare?

Reasons a doctor would refuse Medicare include payment rates that do not keep pace with inflation, additional rules and possible cuts in reimbursements, according to South Coast Today. Doctors say that by refusing to accept Medicare patients, they can provide patient-driven care, rather than care based on insurance payments.

Some doctors say they must see at least 30 patients each day to meet their expenses, because the Medicare reimbursement rates are so low, reports South Coast Today. Other doctors stop accepting Medicare to avoid more government scrutiny, such as federal penalties for failing to show they are making meaningful use of their electronic health records, reports Becker's Healthcare.