Lawmakers, back from vacation Monday, will have just three days to undo Medicare cuts that could leave countless seniors without a healthcare provider.

The automatic cuts had been blocked every year since the Clinton administration.

In Texas now, 62 percent of doctors say they'll refuse new Medicare patients, as a direct result of these cuts.

Sue Wilson, 69, knows she is lucky to have a doctor.

Her own mother has had trouble finding one.

"I mean it's very scary to know that we may not have quality care in the time that we need it the most," she said.

In recent years, many physicians have quit seeing senior citizens.

Doctors often barely break even on their care because Medicare reimburses far less than insurance.

A further 10-percent cut could make treating people over 65 a bad business decision in many offices.

Medicare, before July 1st, reimbursed $75 for an average senior citizen visit.

Now, doctors will get $67.

That's half what someone with insurance would pay.

Shirley from Dallas e-mailed News 8 in outrage, saying her doctor cancelled an annual check-up next week, as a direct result of the fee cuts.

Dr. Bill Walton says many seniors may be forced to get medical care at a public hospital.

"I don't like to see our senior citizens treated as second-class citizens. And that's what's happening. They're being turned into second- class citizens that have to go to cattle call clinics to get treated sometimes," he said.

Dr. Walton says he has no intention of sending Sue Wilson, or any of his Medicare patients, packing.

But he knows many of his colleagues might have to.

Doctors say if the Medicare cuts aren't repealed, they'll be forced to make up the difference by cutting short patient visits.

E-mail j.stjames@wfaa.com.