DEAR ERIC: I just had my 93rd birthday, so have been on Medicare for some years. But I recently ran across something different. My newest doctor – a podiatrist – told me first that she would give me only token care since she got only a token payment. Then a second time she said I could pay her the difference and get full treatment. Is this right morally and legally?

– Do No Harm

DEAR DO NO HARM: Find someone new, if you can. Maybe this podiatrist is a poor communicator (one might say she put her foot in her mouth). Or she’s trying to hoodwink you (…pulling your leg?) According to Medicare.gov, doctors can bill patients for out-of-pocket costs if they don’t accept Medicare assignment, so it’s possible that’s what she was trying to convey. But good communication is key to a successful medi

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