An investor’s newspaper took a poll during the Obamacare debate last summer and found that 44% of doctors planned on retiring or finding another line of work if Obamacare became law. The paper was accused of falsifying the results, that there was no way so many doctors would quit, especially when considering the fact that the AMA supported the president’s plan. Most were not aware though that the AMA only represents less than 30% of all physicians.
Today the paper feels vindicated. Merritt Hawkins released their recent poll results on this topic. Seems 40% of doctors plan on either retiring, finding a non-clinical job in medicine, or another job in a different field within the next three years as Obamacare is phased in. With a doctor shortage already in the works, implementing Obamacare will be that much more difficult. Since the vast majority of the newly insured millions will be thrust into Medicaid, a program where doctors are already leaving in droves, having 40% of all doctors bowing out of medicine all together can only lead to longer wait times and worse outcomes.
The bad news doesn’t end there. Many of those about to enter the field of medicine are having a change of heart as well. Any way we slice it, the future of health care in America doesn’t look good.
Michael Higgins
602.405.8769