More Doctors Steer Clear of Medicare Fewer American doctors are treating patients enrolled in the Medicare health program for seniors, reflecting frustration with its payment rates and pushback against mounting rules, according to health experts -- just as millions of Americans are poised to gain access to such coverage under the new health law next year. Some Americans may have difficulty finding doctors who will take their new benefits or face long waits for appointments with those who do. Some experts attribute the rise in defections to Medicare payment rates that haven't kept pace with inflation and the threat of more cuts to come. Under a budgetary formula enacted by Congress in 1997, physicians could see Medicare reimbursements slashed by 25% in 2014 unless Congress intervenes to delay the cuts, which it has done several times. Show the effects on Medicare patients. Hint: Note that some patients may have trouble finding doctors. Must show graph.