According to the Physicians' Top Ethical Dilemmas: Medscape 2012 Survey Results report, 27 percent of physicians would stop accepting insurers that don't pay well, even if it would mean longtime patients would have to quit seeing them.
However, 41 percent reported they would not drop the low-paying insurer, and 32 percent said "it depends." Physician comments on the report show those who would drop the payor see little option if reimbursement wouldn't cover their expenses, but some would offer to continue seeing the patient for a reduced rate.
Those who said they would keep the low paying insurer reported feeling an obligation to treat all patients. One physician reported, "I just don't accept new patients in those bad insurance plans, but never fire my ongoing patients," while another added, "Most of the time I would continue seeing the patient, but there is a practical reality of not being able to stay in business."
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However, 41 percent reported they would not drop the low-paying insurer, and 32 percent said "it depends." Physician comments on the report show those who would drop the payor see little option if reimbursement wouldn't cover their expenses, but some would offer to continue seeing the patient for a reduced rate.
Those who said they would keep the low paying insurer reported feeling an obligation to treat all patients. One physician reported, "I just don't accept new patients in those bad insurance plans, but never fire my ongoing patients," while another added, "Most of the time I would continue seeing the patient, but there is a practical reality of not being able to stay in business."
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15 Statistics on Orthopedist Compensation by Location and Setting
Primary Care Physicians Still Waiting on 73% Medicaid Payment Increase
12 Recommendations From the National Commission on Physician Payment Reform