Ok Rick, it goes like this...the patient goes to a doctor who does not accept medicare assignment. But if the doctor treats that patient and the patient presents their little red, white and blue medicare card as form of insurance payment then, yes, the doctor who accepts that card is then bound by the rules. He still doesn't have to accept medicare assignment, but he has a limit! Call your local doctor and find out if you think I'm wrong. Call medicare if you think I'm wrong. Call Frank if you think I'm wrong. Call anybody, but make sure you call someone who actually knows. I know you probably won't call anyone, but obviously you won't take my word for it, just thought you might be open to someone else.