In the past month, we’ve blogged about the travails of doctors, especially primary care physicians. As doctors reduce patient loads and medical students opt to specialize to earn more money, the primary care physicians shortage will only grow.
The American Academy of Family Physicians said there will be 40,000 fewer such doctors in 10 years. The group predicts 160,000 fewer primary care doctors by 2025. One solution to the impending shortage is to increase residency positions at teaching hospitals.
While increasing Medicare reimbursement rates for primary care physicians may help, Congress would have to decrease rates for specialists. CNN Money reports that some physicians are turning away walk-in Medicare enrollees. As baby boomers begin retiring, the number of senior citizens seeking care will increase. Consequently, some doctors are opting to serve areas without large numbers of seniors.
In 2010, doctors will see a 21 percent cut in Medicare payments. Internist Dr. David Wilt said, “If the [21%] cut happens, that cut in our payments will exceed our profits. The only option to us to stay in business will be to fire employees.”
One doctor said if reimbursements are cut by 21 percent, he’ll have to stop seeing Medicare patients. Ironically, the doctor himself may not be able to see his own doctor. “If I accept Medicare for myself and my wife, I’m fearful I won’t be able to stay with my cardiologist and my wife won’t be able to stay with her physicians,” Dr. John Hagan said.
The health care industry is at a crucial point. The convergence of additional millions covered under Medicaid and retiring baby boomers will create any number of unintended consequences.
