opinion
Insurers can tighten their belts -- it's what they've forced doctors to do
Posted May 17, 2010
Regarding "Insurance premium hikes pit health plans against states" (link): Robert Zirkelbach, spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, decries federal caps on health insurance premiums while medical costs "soar." Boo-hoo.
This parallels what his industry has done to cripple family medicine and pediatrics, capping reimbursement with no regard for our expenses, including higher premiums each year. He can do what we have done -- cancel journal subscriptions, business travel, political lobbying and charitable contributions; reduce retirement contributions; discharge valued staff; and do more work for 25% less pay.
See? It will all work out -- keep me posted.
Paul F. Van Ausdal, MD, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/05/17/edlt0517.htm.












