Number of uninsured takes toll on physicians
Quick View. Sept. 26, 2005.
|
Greatest difficulty |
Second greatest difficulty |
| Ensuring that prescriptions are filled |
33% |
26% |
| Securing diagnostic tests and procedures |
27% |
26% |
| Securing routine follow-up care |
13% |
18% |
| Obtaining specialist referrals |
11% |
16% |
| Obtaining hospital admissions |
5% |
5% |
| Other |
12% |
9% |
The rising number of uninsured Americans is exacting a steep price on the nation's doctors.
According to a recent AMA Member Connect survey of more than 5,600 physicians, nearly one-third of doctors who could determine how many bills went unpaid estimated that such debt cost his or her practice more than $50,000 in 2004. Beyond reimbursement, a host of procedural issues also trouble physicians who treat the uninsured.
Source: American Medical Association Division of Market Research and Analysis, July
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Copyright 2005 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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