At Least 44% of NY Doctors Will Refuse Obamacare

One of the concerns surrounding the implementation of Obamacare is the rush of new patients who for the first time will be introduced into the medical system competing with everyone else for Doctor's visits. Compounding the ability of the heath care system to absorb new patients is the number of doctors who will refuse to accept Obamacare coverage.

In the Gotham state, for example a poll conducted by the New York State Medical Society found that 44 percent of MDs said they will not accept Obamacare coverage. Another third are still weighing whether or not they will take it. In the end, less than a quarter, only 23 percent of the physicians asked said they’re taking patients who signed up through health exchanges.

“This is so poorly designed that a lot of doctors are afraid to participate,” said Dr. Sam Unterricht, president of the 29,000-member organization. “There’s a lot of resistance. Doctors don’t know what they’re going to get paid.”

Three out of four doctors who are participating in the program said they “had to participate” because of existing contractual obligations with an insurer or medical provider, not because they wanted to.

Only one in four “affirmatively” chose to sign up for the exchanges.

Nearly eight in 10 — 77 percent — said they had not been given a fee schedule to show much they’ll get paid if they sign up.

The survey invited doctors to anonymously share opinions about the new health care law, and many took time out of their busy days to vent.

“Obama Care wants to start right away, but who see all these new patients???? Not me,” e-mailed one doc.

Another said, “I plan to retire if this disaster is implemented. This is a train wreck.”

“I refuse to participate in the exchange plans! I am completely opposed to this new law,” said a third respondent.

One doctor recycled the mantra used to attack addictions: “The solution is simple: Just say no.”

One physician was so disgusted, he threatened to taken only cash patients going forward.

“I am seriously considering opting out of all insurance plans including Medicare because of [ObamaCare].”

Some physicians said the pressure on insurance carriers to control costs is leading to rationed care.

“OBAMACARE is a disaster. I have already seen denial of medication, denial of referrals,” one doc said.

Once the website gets sorted out, and people who lost their coverage sign up for their new more expensive health coverage, this will be the next crisis. The people who go to Obamacare-accepting doctors will be waiting a very long time for their appointments.