The Healthcare Tsunami: Physician Backlash and Mass Exodus
In the Fit Family series we've talked primarily about 2 major waves that have "slammed" the healthcare system: The greatly out-of-control increased cost of healthcare and the rapidly rising rate of chronic and acute disease due to lifestyles brought on by the epidemic of obesity. But, now the realization by well read and frustrated physicians brings the possibility of practitioners leaving their medical practices en masse. This is the third tsunami wave that will potentially break the full spectrum of any functioning healthcare system. No matter how much technology, hospitals , clinics or expensive health plans exists; if physicians do not agree with it or refuse to go along with it there is safe or effective system. Several studies support the possibility that 46% to 50 % of medical doctors will leave medical practice beginning in 2013. The AMA(American Medical Association) Masterfile Practice Self Reporting by physicians from 1998 to 2001 measuring physician intent...