DJP Update 5-31-2012 Views of Young Physicians about the U.S. Healthcare System: Pessimism
Here is another survey of physicians (March 2012). This one is from the Physicians’ Foundation and is entitled “Next Generation Physician Survey.”
It is sad that the healthcare system has evolved to such a state that pessimism is prevalent: Here is an excerpt:
These physicians are markedly pessimistic regarding the future of the U.S. healthcare system, with the “new healthcare legislation” ranking as a strong #1 reason for the pessimism. Many voice considerable cynicism with (what several call) “government’ involvement.”
You can download the entire survey (25 page PDF) at:
http://www.physiciansfoundation.org/FoundationReportDetails.aspx?id=360
More info about the Physicians’ Foundation can be found at: http://www.physiciansfoundation.org/
Here is an excerpt from the Executive Summary and other sections:
An Overview
The typical younger physician in this survey is 37 years of age and is an
employee of a medical group; with the largest single segment being
employees of small groups (6 or fewer physicians): 58% are employees of
medical groups, and almost half of those (48%) are with the smaller groups.
In contrast, 26% are with mid-sized groups (with 7 to 12 physicians), and 26%
are with larger groups (13-plus physicians).
These physicians are markedly pessimistic regarding the future of the U.S.
healthcare system, with the “new healthcare legislation” ranking as a strong
#1 reason for the pessimism. Many voice considerable cynicism with (what
several call) “government’ involvement.”
Financial-related considerations play a key role in the choice of practice/
arrangement. Most cite “income/cash flow” and “employment security” as
factors influencing their current arrangement. And among the 27% who
changed (or considered changing) their practice/arrangement in the past
year, the leading reason given related to “financial issues.”
The vast majority express satisfaction with their current practice /
arrangement (with 35% saying they are “highly satisfied,” and another 45%
saying they are “somewhat satisfied”); and most expect to stay with the
current practice/ arrangement for 8 years or more. Many (39%) aspire to
some form of ownership position in the future (as either sole owner or
partner).
—-
EXCERPT FROM PAGE 7
Views regarding the Future of the U.S. Healthcare System
These young physicians exhibit considerable pessimism regarding the
future of the U.S. healthcare system:
– When it comes to the Affordable Care Act, 49% believe the impact on
their practice will be negative, vs. only 23% who believe it will be
positive. Among the three practice-types, the Primary Care physicians
exhibited somewhat less pessimism vs. the other two segments: They
were a bit more likely to be “positive” or “neutral,” a bit less likely to be
negative.
– And well over half (57%) are pessimistic about the future of the U.S.
healthcare system (with over 30% saying they’re “highly pessimistic”). In
contrast, only 4% are “highly optimistic,” and 18% who are “somewhat
optimistic”. When asked (open-ended) reasons for their pessimism,
responses covered a wide spectrum of negatives – with the “new
healthcare legislation” leading the way. Indeed, as one peruses the
responses to the question, the cynicism voiced by so many – with most
of it directed at “government” – stands out:
Why do you feel pessimistic about the future of the U.S. Healthcare System?
“(Because of) government involvement.”
“(I) Don’t trust government to do the right thing for patients and physicians
or to enact lasting improvements.”
“Because the U.S. healthcare system isn’t concerned about the
employees or patients. They’re just concerned about the money.”
“Government control is a recipe for disaster. They cannot run a business
and cannot control expenses. How could they do a good job on
healthcare? It is a real joke!”
————-
Read the entire survey.
LAGNIAPPE: I note that former U.S. Senator, Presidential Candidate, and Plaintiff Trial Lawyer, John Edwards was found not guilty today on one count and there was a hung jury on the other counts. Obviously complex campaign laws. If the jury decided the money was a gift (I don’t know what the reasoning was) and not a campaign contribution, wonder if that creates an income tax problem?
Stay well.
Donald
P.S. check out some recent tweets at: www.Twitter.com/DJPNEWS
Some past selected DJP Updates can be found at: www.DJPupdate.com
Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD
Intrepid Resources® / The Medical Risk Manager Company
5000 West Esplanade Ave., #432
Metairie, LA 70006
USA
504-455-5895 office
504-455-9392 fax
DJP@donaldpalmisano.com
www.donaldpalmisano.com
www.onleadership.us
DJP Updates: www.DJPupdate.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJPNEWS
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/IntrepidResources
This DJP Update goes to over 2300 leaders in Medicine representing all of the State Medical Associations and over 100 Specialty Societies plus some other friends.
You can share it with your members and it has the potential to reach 800,000 physicians.
To join the list, send me an email stating “Join DJP Update”
To get off the list, state ” Remove DJP Update” in subject line.