45% Of Doctors Would Consider Quitting If Congress Passes Health Care Overhaul

Mr. T · September 17, 2009

45% Of Doctors Would Consider Quitting If Congress Passes Health Care Overhaul

Two of every three practicing physicians oppose the medical overhaul plan under consideration in Washington, and hundreds of thousands would think about shutting down their practices or retiring early if it were adopted, a new IBD/TIPP Poll has found.

The poll contradicts the claims of not only the White House, but also doctors' own lobby — the powerful American Medical Association — both of which suggest the medical profession is behind the proposed overhaul.

It also calls into question whether an overhaul is even doable; 72% of the doctors polled disagree with the administration's claim that the government can cover 47 million more people with better-quality care at lower cost.

Article

Call to the doctors office

Yes i need to make an appointment...

Reply

We have an opening in 6 months, would you like to schedule....

Silence on both ends......

heckofajobbrownie · September 17, 2009

It's a poll sent out to doctors by mail run by Investors Business Daily and it was linked to by Michelle Malkin and other winger websites. That should give you an idea how reliable this thing is.

Or you could go with the poll done right by the New England Journal of Medicine:

BOSTON (Reuters) - Most U.S. doctors favor having both public and private options in a reformed healthcare system, a survey published Monday said.

The possible inclusion of a public option -- a government-run insurance plan to compete with private insurers -- is one of the most divisive parts of the reform that is President Barack Obama's top domestic legislative priority.

When given a three-way choice among private plans that use tax credits or subsidies to help the poor buy private insurance; a new public health insurance plan such as Medicare; or a mix of the two; 63 percent of doctors supported a mix, 27 percent said they only wanted private options, and just 10 percent said they exclusively wanted public options.

The survey of 2,130 U.S. doctors, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also found that more 55 percent, regardless of their medical specialty, would favor expanding Medicare so it covered people aged 55 and older.

Medicare is the federal health insurance plan for people aged over 65 and some disabled people.

calfoxwc · September 17, 2009

The thread subject is about doctors not wanting a gov only offering takeover of private health insurance,

and all the crap that comes with it to either front or back door, eliminate private health insurance..

That is the point.

your post refers to doctors favoring both private and a public medicare type offering.

Your post is NOT OBAMA'S STUPID BILL.

Please stop trying to be what you think you are, cause you're not.

Legacy Fan · September 17, 2009

The survey of 2,130 U.S. doctors, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also found that more 55 percent, regardless of their medical specialty, would favor expanding Medicare so it covered people aged 55 and older.

Medicare is the federal health insurance plan for people aged over 65 and some disabled people.

Yes. Of course they're wishing Medicare would "expand" because it's the opposite direction that the "care" is currently trending. A lot of Doctors are eating some costs because more & more Medicare claims are being refused/ covered less than previously.

You'd eat your own shit if you read a list of what Medicare considers "elective surgery."

Westside Steve · September 17, 2009

Yes. Of course they're wishing Medicare would "expand" because it's the opposite direction that the "care" is currently trending. A lot of Doctors are eating some costs because more & more Medicare claims are being refused/ covered less than previously.

You'd eat your own shit if you read a list of what Medicare considers "elective surgery."

So then you'd have to buy a supplimental policy from somebody right?

How long before the wailing over that would start?

WSS

heckofajobbrownie · September 17, 2009

Cal, this poll is another joke and everyone in Realityland is laughing at it. It's a lot like those internet polls you post and think are scientific. (And then we explain to you that they're not valid, and then you post some more, and then we explain to you that they're not valid, etc.)

It's not a legitimate poll. It's a partisan poll done to reach a pre-determined result. You can discount its results.

All the real polls show support from physicians for what Obama is largely proposing. I know you don't like that they do, but that's the reality.

September 17, 2009

So these doctors most likely have a nestegg saved up. If they quit, no drain on society drawing a check. Sounds good to me.

Free's up a ton of jobs in the market as well..... lots of kids in medical school who could fill all of those positions within a couple years.

Not seeing the downside

Legacy Fan · September 17, 2009

So these doctors most likely have a nestegg saved up. If they quit, no drain on society drawing a check. Sounds good to me.

Free's up a ton of jobs in the market as well..... lots of kids in medical school who could fill all of those positions within a couple years.

Not seeing the downside

Don't know about you, but I'll take the 80-yr old Oral Maxillofacial surgeon who has written 45 textbooks on the subject, and still teaches, and still practices (and volunteers!!!), and is still a total hardass, to take care of me. Yes, he exists. And yes I've had the priveledge of working with him.

Not saying the newbs can't and aren't up to the task. I'm just saying they have $300k in school loans to pay back, and after they get out of 12 years of school, they might like to drive a Benz & buy a boat. And I don't think they shouldn't be able to do that. Just keep that in the back of your mind when your total office visit lasts 30 minutes and you spend twice what you used to.

Mr. T · September 17, 2009

If someone has invested that much time and energy in their education they should be allowed to charge what the market will allow.

Without government intervention.

Next Obama & Rahm will have a Sports Pay Czar, limiting the amount of money an athlete will be allowed to earn.

choco · September 17, 2009

so, i sat down with 2 gentlemen for a beer yesterday in Budapest, a stanch conservative and a proud socialist......not to be confused with democrats, a european liberal is not an american liberal by any means.....

basically, we discussed alot of politics because i travel alot, and like to get an outside view. i explained the acutal bill to the socialist, outlining where the tax money was generated and the limitations on new enrollment. even mr. socialist said is just "a horrible...horrible idea."

the conservative guy told me that 51% of his salary goes to the state. and that value has only risen over the past decades, meaning they're not ever going to take less.

calfoxwc · September 17, 2009

Heck - the AMA you side with, is a joke. They are deemed the authority, but truth is,

they speak for a small majority of doctors as far as to their membership. And that is less than 30% of physicians.

Here's an article to explain more about doctors not agreeing at all with Obamacare:

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=661062

ObamaCare out of touch with U.S. physicians

Jim Brown - OneNewsNow - 8/28/2009 7:20:00 AMA new poll finds that despite

the American Medical Association's support for President Obama's healthcare plan,

most specialty doctors strongly oppose the plan

The American Society of Medical Doctors has released a poll of physicians that

finds 86 percent of specialty doctors believe that the American Medical Association

has become too political and has lost touch with the doctors it represents.

The American Medical Association, or AMA, which gave Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy

its highest award for public service earlier this year, has endorsed President Obama's

government-run healthcare plan. Seventy percent of the specialty doctors surveyed

in the poll said they oppose current congressional and White House proposals for

healthcare reform.

Jean Card, a spokeswoman for the American Society of Medical Doctors, says the

polling shows that many doctors fear President Obama's healthcare plan threatens

their ability to honor the Hippocratic Oath.

"If you can't live up to your oath, if you feel like this bureaucracy and this

clumsy government system is in between you and your patient, well then a doctor thinks

'No, I have to go with my oath, and if I have to say no to government to follow my oath, then I will,'" she says.

The poll released by the American Society of Medical Doctors also found that 66

percent of specialty physicians believe that a government-run health insurance

plan would restrict doctors' ability to give the best advice and offer the best

possible care to their patients.

calfoxwc · September 17, 2009

I wasn't talking out of my hat, either: (I had to go find this article again)

http://www.frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=36292

Doctors No

By: Tait Trussell

FrontPageMagazine.com | Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The quintessential element in health care—the doctor—may be missing if the Obama

administration’s proposed health care reform leads to a government-run insurance program.

President Obama telegraphed just such a possibility in his September 9 address to a

joint session of Congress when he expressed his support for the public insurance option.

Yet the American Society of Medical Doctors (ASMD), in a nonpartisan nationwide opinion

poll of physicians with specialties, found that more than 60 percent of doctors would

not accept new patients with government insurance, and 27 percent would not accept any

patients on a new government plan. Interestingly, more than 60 percent of the doctors

in this poll described themselves as moderate, somewhat liberal or very liberal; only

18 percent labeled themselves as “conservative.”

ASMD Chairman Dr. Alfred O. Bonati, said of the poll: “Any doctor who has ever dealt

with Medicare knows that government coverage severely limits our abilities to

deliver care that best fits the needs of the patient. We know that government coverage

does not allow for flexibility, creativity, or, sometimes, even compassion.”

The ASMD has also offered a compelling rebuttal to the president’s claim that a government

insurance plan would merely “compete” with private insurers, pointing out that the

“public plan’s lower rates would be an incentive for businesses to eliminate their

existing coverage and shift their employees into the public plan. Once participation

in the public plan reaches a certain critical mass, private insurance options would

disappear and the government would be left as the sole provider of health care

in the United States.”

Such concerns rest on solid evidence:

The respected Lewin Group

has calculated 119 million will lose their private coverage and be steered into the public option.

The discontent among doctors at the prospect of a government insurance program goes beyond

a single poll. More than 1,000 physicians from all 50 states converged on Capitol Hill on

August 9. Clad in lab coats and scrubs, they carried an urgent message to the president:

“Stop meddling in medicine!” The lobbying event was co-sponsored by the Association of

American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS). The doctors traveled at their own expense for

the Washington rally, not only to press their views on lawmakers supporting the

administration’s overhaul but also to meet with members of Congress who are doctors.

Prominent among them is Oklahoma senator and doctor Tom Colburn. Colburn has been

pushing his own alternative to ObamaCare, known as the Patients’ Choice Act.

The Patients Choice Act of 2009 would encourage increased coordination of

federal prevention efforts; require the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) to wage a national campaign using science-based strategies;

equip Supplemental Nutritional Benefits recipients with information about

nutritional foods and limit food stamps to healthy food choices; invest

$50 million a year in increased vaccines; and provide incentives to states

to cut chronic disease rates.

The legislation would also create state health insurance exchanges so Americans

could compare policies; give citizens the same health benefits provided to

Members of Congress; assure that no one would be turned down based on age

or health; reward insurers that encourage prevention and wellness and cover

pre-existing conditions; let states ban together in regional pooling arrangements

to cover “uninsurables”; restore fairness in the tax code by providing tax credits;

improve the operation of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and let HSA owners

contribute more to their accounts.

Colburn is also focusing on preventive care for five chronic diseases – heart disease,

cancer, stroke, pulmonary disease, and diabetes – that cause two-thirds of American deaths.

“Treatment of these largely preventable diseases makes up 75 percent of total

health care expenditures,” says Colburn.

Despite opposition from doctors, some medical organizations have lined up behind the

administration’s plans for reform.

The largest organization of doctors, the

American Medical Association (AMA), first opposed the administration’s health care plan,

then endorsed it after the president delivered a speech to the organization.

The AMA represents about 29 percent of the nation’s doctors and relatively few are

physicians in specialty areas.

The AMA’s backing for ObamaCare prompted a stinging dissent from their fellow doctors.

“The AMA’s endorsement was bought and sold, at the expense of patients, and the expense

of the profession of medicine,” according to Dr. Michael Schlitt, a Seattle physician,

the article said. Schlitt was quoted as adding, “I couldn’t stand by without telling

Congress and the public that they (AMA) don’t represent me, or most of the doctors that

I know. And that it’s time Congress listens to real doctors from the frontlines.”

Meanwhile, the AMSD released additional results of its poll on government insurance

showing that 86 percent of specialty doctors believe that the AMA “has become too

political and has lost touch with the doctors it is supposed to represent.”

“This is not a political issue–it is a medical issue,” says spinal surgeon and

ASMD Chief Alfred Bonati. In particular, Bonati worries about the expanded government

role in health care, pointedly asking whether government officials will

“begin to take the Hippocratic Oath in addition to their traditional oath of office?”

As the administration forges ahead with its controversial reforms, many doctors are

asking the same question.

calfoxwc · September 17, 2009

That is reality, Heck. I wasn't blowing smoke, and I wasn't saying the poll was valid, or scientific.

You can't show me where I did.

I just posted two excellent posts to validate my position and assertions.

Let me know when you want to join me in reality land.

Kosar_For_President · September 17, 2009

so, i sat down with 2 gentlemen for a beer yesterday in Budapest, a stanch conservative and a proud socialist......not to be confused with democrats, a european liberal is not an american liberal by any means.....

basically, we discussed alot of politics because i travel alot, and like to get an outside view. i explained the acutal bill to the socialist, outlining where the tax money was generated and the limitations on new enrollment. even mr. socialist said is just "a horrible...horrible idea."

the conservative guy told me that 51% of his salary goes to the state. and that value has only risen over the past decades, meaning they're not ever going to take less.

So Choco, you just got up and said I'm going to Budapest today? Pretty f'ing sweet bro. Unless it's a euphemism for something, lol?

51% is troubling. It's giving government power and all the fags in Congress more money. Whomever thinks that ALL the money that comes from the people are going directly into healthcare is nieve.

I am coming around on the health care thing (yes I've changed my mind 30 times). It's becoming more and more of a nightmare (Cal just popped a boner). At this point it's not about who and who's not is covered. I am not callous by any means (except for Susan Boyle), but it's becoming more apparent this is going to hurt more then help in the long run. It's about giving the government more power. I don't think Obama is trying to "take over" like T and Cal are paranoid about. I do think he and his peeps didn't do their homework on this shit.

Let's see if Obama's decisions thus far work in terms of employment, then worry about spending on health care.

HEY THE WAIT AND SEE can work both ways left and righters.

calfoxwc · September 17, 2009

I did not pop anything, except for my coffee in the microwave, since I am wary of drinking it when I'm readin the Brownsboard. @@

Nice change of perspective, though. Maybe YOU can reach Heck...

Kosar_For_President · September 17, 2009

I did not pop anything, except for my coffee in the microwave, since I am wary of drinking it when I'm readin the Brownsboard. @@

Nice change of perspective, though. Maybe YOU can reach Heck...

Just keep in mind my statement.

"HEY THE WAIT AND SEE can work both ways left and righters." Alright.

choco · September 17, 2009

So Choco, you just got up and said I'm going to Budapest today? Pretty f'ing sweet bro. Unless it's a euphemism for something, lol?

no euphemisms.....im staying in Budapest (Buda side) until Wednesday next week, only about 10 minutes walk from the Danube. Breathtaking city.....the architecture is phenomenal. beer is kick ass, and the women dont like wearing bras...which is nice since a large portion of them are drop dead gorgeous. if my girl wasn't equally as fine, i'd move here in an instant.

my job takes me around the world.....if you see me posting, its most likely im chilling in a hotel after work. roughly, i've had about 10 international trips this year, down from the norm due to the recesseion.

51% is troubling. It's giving government power and all the fags in Congress more money. Whomever thinks that ALL the money that comes from the people are going directly into healthcare is nieve.

the corruption was discussed as well....i told them about our SS getting raided and they chuckled and said "sounds familiar".....these guys are no intellectual slouches either, one (my work colleague) is a Ph.D Physicist, the other was a Ph.D Biologist......waxing with a stupid american with a mere BS in Mech Eng.

I am coming around on the health care thing (yes I've changed my mind 30 times). It's becoming more and more of a nightmare (Cal just popped a boner). At this point it's not about who and who's not is covered. I am not callous by any means (except for Susan Boyle), but it's becoming more apparent this is going to hurt more then help in the long run. It's about giving the government more power. I don't think Obama is trying to "take over" like T and Cal are paranoid about. I do think he and his peeps didn't do their homework on this shit.

the more i learn, the more i agree with ya. if they really wanted to help those without insurance, they'd actually think about this a bit rather than try to ram thru the bill. power grab is the most likely motivation.

Kosar_For_President · September 17, 2009

the corruption was discussed as well....i told them about our SS getting raided and they chuckled and said "sounds familiar".....these guys are no intellectual slouches either, one (my work colleague) is a Ph.D Physicist, the other was a Ph.D Biologist......waxing with a stupid american with a mere BS in Mech Eng.

the more i learn, the more i agree with ya. if they really wanted to help those without insurance, they'd actually think about this a bit rather than try to ram thru the bill. power grab is the most likely motivation.

Cool man sounds like a sweet job.

The other problem is what happens if it fails, 3 years into and nothing to show for it other then debt. I think we wait too see if the stimulus works, if it does, THEN give it a go.

Mr. T · September 17, 2009

So Choco, you just got up and said I'm going to Budapest today? Pretty f'ing sweet bro. Unless it's a euphemism for something, lol?

51% is troubling. It's giving government power and all the fags in Congress more money. Whomever thinks that ALL the money that comes from the people are going directly into healthcare is nieve.

I am coming around on the health care thing (yes I've changed my mind 30 times). It's becoming more and more of a nightmare (Cal just popped a boner). At this point it's not about who and who's not is covered. I am not callous by any means (except for Susan Boyle), but it's becoming more apparent this is going to hurt more then help in the long run. It's about giving the government more power. I don't think Obama is trying to "take over" like T and Cal are paranoid about. I do think he and his peeps didn't do their homework on this shit.

Let's see if Obama's decisions thus far work in terms of employment, then worry about spending on health care.

HEY THE WAIT AND SEE can work both ways left and righters.

I believe we have talked about this before, it took a little while to find it but here it is.

VAT, & More on Taxes

calfoxwc · September 18, 2009

Heck - the AMA you side with, is a joke. They are deemed the authority, but truth is,

they speak for a small majority of doctors as far as to their membership. And that is less than 30% of physicians.

Here's an article to explain more about doctors not agreeing at all with Obamacare:

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=661062

ObamaCare out of touch with U.S. physicians

Jim Brown - OneNewsNow - 8/28/2009 7:20:00 AMA new poll finds that despite

the American Medical Association's support for President Obama's healthcare plan,

most specialty doctors strongly oppose the plan

The American Society of Medical Doctors has released a poll of physicians that

finds 86 percent of specialty doctors believe that the American Medical Association

has become too political and has lost touch with the doctors it represents.

The American Medical Association, or AMA, which gave Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy

its highest award for public service earlier this year, has endorsed President Obama's

government-run healthcare plan. Seventy percent of the specialty doctors surveyed

in the poll said they oppose current congressional and White House proposals for

healthcare reform.

Jean Card, a spokeswoman for the American Society of Medical Doctors, says the

polling shows that many doctors fear President Obama's healthcare plan threatens

their ability to honor the Hippocratic Oath.

"If you can't live up to your oath, if you feel like this bureaucracy and this

clumsy government system is in between you and your patient, well then a doctor thinks

'No, I have to go with my oath, and if I have to say no to government to follow my oath, then I will,'" she says.

The poll released by the American Society of Medical Doctors also found that 66

percent of specialty physicians believe that a government-run health insurance

plan would restrict doctors' ability to give the best advice and offer the best

possible care to their patients.

calfoxwc · September 18, 2009