Medicare Is DYING – Can Doctors Save It?

Retiring American Medical Association President Dr. Bruce Scott delivered a blistering critique of lawmakers and insurers, urging U.S. doctors to turn outrage over dwindling pay and care barriers into action.

At a Glance

• Medicare physician payments have declined 33% over 25 years, while hospital and insurance costs soared
• Dr. Scott recounted a patient with a sinus tumor denied surgery by her insurer and told to use antibiotics
• He warned pending legislation could slash Medicaid access and increase medical education debt
• The AMA is lobbying for bills to address Medicare pay reform, prior authorization delays, and scope-of-practice rules
• Dr. Scott ends his term June 10; Dr. Bobby Mukkamala of Michigan will succeed him

Medicare Cuts and Mounting Pressure

Dr. Bruce Scott, an otolaryngologist from Kentucky, denounced Congress for allowing Medicare reimbursement to wither by 33% since 2001. He argued that while hospitals and insurers have seen revenue rise, doctors are being crushed by financial strain. “There is no ‘care’ in Medicare if there are no doctors,” he said, warning of an impending exodus from the profession unless systemic changes occur.

A Case That Illustrates the Crisis

To highlight the consequences, Scott described a patient who had a mass pushing into her eye but was initially denied surgery by her insurer. Instead, the insurer recommended nasal spray and antibiotics—an order Scott called “plain wrong.” The example underscored the broader issue of prior authorization abuses that delay or deny needed care and fuel burnout.

Action Over Anger

While acknowledging the profession’s mounting frustration, Scott urged physicians to redirect anger into advocacy. He called for support of legislation that ties Medicare payments to practice costs, reduces red tape for mental health care providers, and reforms prior authorization rules. He also cautioned against reforms that would raise the cost of medical school or reduce Medicaid coverage.

Watch a report: Turn Anger Into Action: AMA President’s Farewell.

A Leadership Transition

As Dr. Scott concludes his presidency on June 10, he will hand the reins to Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a Michigan otolaryngologist. With physician morale low and policy battles mounting, the AMA hopes to channel its members’ frustrations into legislative wins that protect both doctors and patients from the bureaucratic burdens degrading American health care.