Medicare Opt Out Status

To all our Patients,

 We wanted to notify you of some important changes to our practice.  As of April 1st, 2024, our practice will no longer be participating in the Medicare system. We made this difficult decision in order to reduce wait times, elevate the patient experience, and maintain a full-service plastic and reconstructive surgical practice on the Central Coast.

 As we will be “opting out” of Medicare, we cannot submit claims to or receive payments from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on behalf of the patient. Although we cannot accept Medicare payments, we are still able to treat Medicare patients. Patients with Medicare-based insurance (including Medicare-advantage plans) can obtain care in our office under a private contract, but cannot receive reimbursement from CMS for my professional services. All other fees associated with your care (hospital & anesthesia fees, tests, labs, etc.) performed by providers that accept Medicare payments will continue to be processed as before. 

Performing reconstructive surgery is our personal & professional mission.  We will continue to offer these services within our community. Outside of the Medicare system, we can work directly with patients to minimize the financial burden they endure to access quality care.   Nevertheless, this may represent a significant hardship to many.  If that is the case for you, we are happy to coordinate transfer of care to a surgeon/institution of your choice.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (805) 967-1359 or info@soaresplasticsurgery.com

Thank you again for trusting us with your care,

Sincerely,

Marc Soares, MD