Statistics

Primary Docs Disatisfied: A new U.S. survey found that 49 percent of 11,950 primary care physicians said they want to stop practicing or reduce their patient loads during the next three years due to frustration caused by having to deal with non-clinical paperwork, difficulties being reimbursed by insurance companies, and too many government regulations.

Excerpt from US News & World Report, [http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2008/ 11/18/health-highlights-nov-18--2008.html]

Ailing Economy Hits Large and Small:  One in three of the more than 550 hospitals that participated in the nationwide survey said they had experienced a moderate or significant decrease during the previous three months in elective procedures, which are among hospitals' biggest moneymakers.

Among other financial ills, they reported an 8 percent jump in unpaid medical bills and charity care and an average margin falling into negative territory.

Excerpt from Florida Times Union-Jacksonville.com, [http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/113008/bus_361677820.shtml]