Data also shows worries about ACA Malpractice issues and tort reform should be the top priority of the N.H. Medical Society, according to a survey of the state’s physicians.

The University of New Hampshire Survey Center conducted a physician survey on behalf of the N.H. Medical Society earlier this year. Of 2,965 surveys sent to members and non-members of the society, 588 physicians responded.

By the Numbers:

  • 588: Physicians (of 2,965) who responded to a survey for the N.H. Medical Society
  • 74: Percentage of physicians who strongly support malpractice issues/tort reform
  • 72: Percentage who strongly support improving access to mental health services
  • 37: Percentage who strongly support Medicaid expansion
  • 17: Percentage who support Medicaid Managed Care
  • 14: Percentage

The NHMS’s mission is to represent the medical profession as an advocate to better public health in the state. Respondents largely indicated the group should focus on malpractice issues and tort reform, closely followed by improving access to mental health services.

According to the American Tort Reform Association, tort lawsuits compromise access to affordable health care and raise the cost of goods and services. ATRA says America’s $246 billion civil justice system is the most expensive in the industrialized world.
Groups like ATRA are fighting to change the way the civil justice system works to place limits on the amount of money injured people receive in a lawsuit and/or make it more difficult for injured people to file a lawsuit/obtain a jury trial.
The New Hampshire physician survey results show 66 percent of respondents believe it is “very important” for NHMS to focus on malpractice issues/tort reform. Seventy-four percent “strongly support” reform efforts, and 45 percent ranked it as the top issue on which NHMS should concentrate. Sixty-seven percent chose reform as one of their top three priorities.
Improving access to mental health services ranked second on physicians’ list of priorities, followed by developing a no-fault medical liability system.
According to a recent study of 575 patients by the Foundation for Healthy Communities, psychiatric patients waited an average of 2.5 days in New Hampshire emergency rooms before a bed was available in the state psychiatric hospital.
“Dating back to last summer, we were hearing more stories than ever about the influx of mental health patients at emergency rooms, and it was happening all over the state,” said Shawn LaFrance, executive director of the Foundation for Healthy Communities, who authored the report. “In summary, our report indicates a failure to fulfill the promise for many people seeking help for mental health problems in New Hampshire.”
The UNH Survey Center physician survey also addressed the level of preparedness for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The data shows not all physicians are prepared at the same level and, unsurprisingly, the health care reform law remains a partisan issue.
Only 14 percent of respondents said they are “very prepared” to implement the ACA in 2014, 38 percent are “somewhat prepared,” 13 percent are “not very prepared,” 9 percent are “not at all prepared” and 26 percent “don’t know.” Those who are in a practice of more than 20 are more likely to be better prepared, the survey found.
When asked about individual components of the law, 67 percent said they support the regulation of health plans, 66 percent support the individual mandate, 61 percent support Medicaid expansion, 60 percent support the insurance marketplace and 57 percent support the “sunshine policy.” Less popular provisions include the Independent Payment Advisory Board (29 percent support), hospital-acquired infection payment policy (28 percent) and the Physician Compare Initiative (27 percent).
Despite those concerns, the survey revealed 91 percent physician satisfaction with patient care and the practice of medicine.
“It was very heartening to learn that so many physicians still find deep satisfaction in their profession,” Scott Colby, NHMS executive vice president, said in a prepared statement. “With the multitude of changes in our health care system, the demands on our physicians have never been greater.”