The Medicare WISeR experiment. I wasn't aware of this. In case you aren't either, here's the f-ed up deal:

[Ms. Toad]

6. This has nothing to do with who you see.

It is requiring pre-authorization for a limited number of services (regardless of who performs them).

It is horrendous - and (despite the assertions of at least one DU member to the contrary) targets services (17-ish) which are legitimate medical services (not things which might be abused because they are cosmetic, for example). I have had one of those services (skin graft following cancer). Had a denial been imposed, which would have delayed surgery to remove the tumor for a month or more. The tumor doubled in 17 days, so leaving it a month (or more) longer would likely mean I would no longer be alive. So, yeah, it's personal for me.

But, as bad as it is, knee replacements are not included in the services, nor is your right to see any physician who has not opted completely out of Medicare.