Mn Delegation Presses Feds For Rural Hospital Rule Change

(Washington, DC)  --  Minnesota members of Congress are asking federal regulators to reinstate a rule that allowed Minnesota's rural hospitals to have a doctor within easy reach but not at the hospital full-time.  Congressman Tim Walz says the feds have changed the rule and it's hurting outstate critical care hospitals.  He says Medicare officials that deal with reimbursement are interpreting that differently.  They believe in order for Medicare to reimburse you for services, you've got to have a doctor on-site all the time. Walz says this is simply impossible to work in rural areas.  Walz says both Republican and Democratic members of Minneosta's congressional delegation have asked federal regulators to return to the old rule and not require a doctor on-site full-time.  Walz says they hope to have a response shortly.