When it comes to universal healthcare coverage, it would appear that a significant minority of physicians find the idea to be intolerable, according to a new survey. The survey, by physician recruiter LocumTenens.com, found that of roughly 1,400 doctors who responded, 11 percent would change occupations and 9 percent would retire if a universal health insurance scheme was put into place. Meanwhile, 63 percent said that their practice patterns wouldn't change.

Given that the federal government already projects a shortfall of 55,100 physicians by 2020, this can't be good. However, it remains to be seen whether any potential health reforms might do something to discourage doctor flight; perhaps policymakers, aware of such concerns among doctors, will come up with incentives that slow such an exodus?

To learn more about the study:
- read this Atlanta Business Chronicle piece [1]

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