My bill for an office visit (dermatology related) was increased by an extra $146 because the AMA deemed me to be a "new" patient, although it was just over 3-years since my last visit to same clinic. Really? So, essentially, you are encouraging unnecessary visits simply to retain current patient status? Absolutely Ridiculous. What is the point of this nonsensical rule? Why does the AMA even care? Who benefits by this? You? The clinic? What does this have to do with anything? Just another reason why our health care system is so f***ed up. I'm sure the AMA has a lot of lobbying power, but I will be writing to my local government representatives about this matter.