U.S. health bill might aid rural Maryland

Healthcare legislation being debated in Congress won't solve the problem of the lack of qualified medical professionals in Southern Maryland, but it "tips the hat" to the issue, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) told doctors and other medical professionals during a discussion at Calvert Medical Center. The bill would provide funding for a pilot programs that would reimburse doctors based on outcomes instead of procedures. Scott Intner, director of business development at Calvert Memorial, said that doctors in Maryland's Calvert County receive up to 50% less in reimbursement funding than those in metropolitan areas and other states.