Physicians: One-Third To Quit Over Health Care Overhaul

The New England Journal of Medicine is reporting that one-third of physicians surveyed would quit their professions or elect early retirement should current health care reforms be passed into law. Worse, if a public option is adopted, that number rises to 45%. The survey, conducted by The Medicus Firm, also found:

• More than 50% of physicians predict that the quality of health care would deteriorate in the United States.
• Less than 24% of physicians unequivocally support a public option in health care reform.
• 63% of physicians would not recommend the profession if current health reform legislation is passed.

It's also worth noting that while the Obama Administration trumpets the support of the American Medical Association, only 38% of U.S. physicians are members of this professional organization, and of this percentage 15% are medical students. So this puts the lie to all claims that a majority of doctors support current Democrat reforms.

Commenting on the survey's findings, Managing Partner Kevin Perpetua, stated:

"Physicians feel that they cannot continue to practice if patient loads increase while pay decreases. The overwhelming prediction from physicians is that health reform, if implemented inappropriately, could create a detrimental combination of circumstances, and result in an environment in which it is not possible for most physicians to continue practicing medicine."

Managing Partner Jim Stone also made the following observation:

"What many people may not realize is that health reform could impact physician supply in such a way that the quality of healthcare could suffer...Based on the physicians' responses to the survey, health reform could significantly intensify the effects of the physician shortage. Depending upon which version of the health reform bill passes, the reality is that there may not be enough doctors to provide quality medical care to all of these newly insured people."

Should you share these physicians' concerns, please take a moment to visit Free Our Healthcare Now and let your opposition be heard.

We are blessed to have the best health care in the world - let's not let it be dismantled in the name of statism!