AMA to San Jose Mercury News: Physician shortage a serious issue

San Jose Mercury News
Letter to the editor

To the Editor:

Patients around the country are feeling the effects of a looming physician shortage. The government predicts a shortage of 85,000 physicians by 2020, just as baby boomers are entering Medicare. The scheduled Medicare cuts would force physicians to limit the number of new Medicare patients they can treat. Cuts will begin in July unless Congress takes action. Already, 30 percent of Medicare patients who are looking say they are having trouble finding a primary care physician. Congress must stop these cuts, which would make an already bad situation worse.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cyril M. Hetsko
AMA Board of Trustees