CNN’s Sunjay Gupta did an interesting story today on a survey conducted by the Physicians Foundation to explore the “reasons for an identified exodus among family doctors and internists, widely known as the backbone of the health industry.” Out of the 12,000 physicians surveyed, almost half said they “would seriously consider getting out of the medical business within the next three years if they had an alternative.”

This spells trouble, especially in the context of the worsening primary care shortage, increasing healthcare costs, and an aging population in need of primary care services.

The Physicians Foundation was formed after a class-action lawsuit by physicians and medical associations against insurance companies. They won nearly $100 million, which they are putting to great use by giving grants to projects that can “advance the work of practicing physicians and to improve the quality of healthcare for all Americans.”

More info: Physicians Foundation’s Press Release

Filed under: Health Policy