Posted: 05/22/09
According to a recent national survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), many of America's family physicians are increasing charity care, discounting fees and providing free screenings during the recession in order to meet the needs of their patients. Almost ninety percent of the doctors surveyed reported that their patients are concerned about their ability to pay for healthcare. Doctors reported many patients are canceling or delaying preventive screenings such as pap smears, colonoscopies and mammograms. Also, many patients fail to return for follow-up visits and do not refill the prescriptions needed to manage their chronic conditions. The results confirm the potentially serious impact the recession is having on healthcare.
Sixty-six percent of the physicians surveyed are taking action to help lower the cost of care. Many doctors discount their fees, provide free screenings, prescribe generic medication and increase charity care. Even with doctor discounts, the recession is causing anxiety among some patients and leading them to discuss other healthcare options with their physician.
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Survey of family physicians shows recession has taken toll on patients
