Majority of Physicians Blame Government for Healthcare Decline

According to recent survey results released by the Doctor Patient Medical Association, it is almost unanimously believed by physicians that the healthcare system is on the decline, and most of the blame is being placed on the government. Survey results are based on 699 random physician respondents of various specialties who participated in a faxed survey in May 2012. 

Sixty-five percent of survey participants feel the government is responsible for the current state of the healthcare system. Survey results show recent changes in the medical system have 83 percent of physicians thinking about quitting. Ninety percent feel the medical system’s current path is on the wrong track, and 85 percent feel their relationship with patients is declining. 

A cardiothoracic surgeon from Iowa quoted in the report states, “The most important thing would be to eliminate third party payments. Patients and physicians should decide what tests need to be done and what treatment will be administered. The patient should pay the physician for service. Whether they then get reimbursed is between the patient and the third party payer. This would put patients and physicians in charge.” 

Judging by the reactions of physicians in this survey, doctors want the government to stay out of the business of healthcare, as the vast majority of participants feel it is the root cause of the deteriorating system. As evidenced by the study, there is room for improvement within the healthcare industry; this data highlights some areas that need increased attention. 

©iStockphoto.com/Gerald Connell

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