Contact: Ronald B. O'Gorman, Author, 251-591-7504, ogormanRon@gmail.com; www.rbogorman.com

MOBILE, Ala., Jan. 27, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Cardiovascular surgeon and author, Dr. Ronald B. O'Gorman wants his readers to know three secrets that HHS won't admit.

Since its Sept. 8 release, "Fatal Rhythm" has been on Amazon.com's best-sellers lists for medical thriller and Christian suspense. "Suspense Magazine" selected the book for its "Best of 2014" list. The novel exposes three truths that HHS doesn't want Medicare recipients to know.

In yesterday's press release, HHS secretary Sylvia M Burwel announced plans to move Medicare "toward paying providers based on the quality, rather than the quantity of care they give patients." This concept seems laudable. But there are three realities that must be acknowledged.

First, HHS cannot provide better care for more people for less money. Second, the way we pay for healthcare affects the healthcare that is delivered. HHS must let patients know that the incentive is changed from traditional capitalism to a system where the hospitals and doctors make more money by providing less care: fewer tests and procedures. Third, the measurement of quality impacts clinical decisions as doctors use selection criteria to produce expected results. Some patients will be denied care because predicted outcomes will not fall within mandated parameters.

R. B. O'Gorman practices cardiovascular surgery and his novel reflects on changes in healthcare. Most Medicare patients do not appreciate the impact of HHS mandates.

R. B. O'Gorman obtained a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Rice University and studied under Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. In the Journal of the American Medical Association, Mike Mika wrote, "Many consider Michael E. DeBakey to be the greatest surgeon ever." Currently, he lives in Mobile, Alabama, where he writes, teaches and practices medicine. He and his wife stay busy with their six children and three grandchildren.