July 11, 2022 - I can recall that back in my early days in San Augustine, Texas there were four family doctors who treated our family at various times. I recall that their names were Dr. Rulfs, Dr. Ellington, Dr. Brake, and Dr. Bennett.
I remember that on several occasions I became ill and my father, Cecil, called Dr. Brake to come to our house and check me out. I still recall his rather large, black, doctoring bag which contained his exam equipment. On rare terrifying occasions he would give me a shot to help cure what ailed me.
It seemed that in those days the family doctor would, on occasion, spend the night with a seriously ill patient to care for them. That was something that the family doctor would do for his patients back in the day.
Now, let’s fast-forward to today. It seems that the family doctor has become an endangered species. Statistics indicate that they are closing down their practices and retiring early. Why is this? Well, a little research reveals the following:
The high cost of treating Medicare patients is a major factor. Currently there is no reimbursement of expenses involved in treating Medicare patients. Medicare reimbursements currently cover only about 60 % of the cost involved in treating patients. In addition, there is no compensation for inflation which is currently around 5% annually. The family doctor usually has to hire additional clerical help just in handling insurance claims with no reimbursement.
Another factor is the continuing rise in premiums for Malpractice Insurance. In the past the coverage cost around $8,000 per year. It now costs $19,000 for the same limits and coverage.
It should be noted that the family doctor provides comprehensive medical services to individuals and families regardless of sex, age, or type of medical complaint. Family physicians are primary care providers, as are internists and pediatricians. However, due to the above mentioned factors, many are retiring early.
It should be noted, also, that specialists make three to four times the income of family physicians, and the specialties attract the bulk of medical school graduates. The appeal seems to be that practicing specialized medicine will enhance a graduate’s lifestyle, and make it easier to pay off college loans.
Fewer medical school graduates want to become family physicians because there is, obviously, more money to be made in specialized medicine. Last year only 8 percent of United States medical school graduates chose to become family physicians, half of the number that made the same choice in the early 1990’s.
I can imagine that the four physicians that I mentioned at the beginning of this article ever imagined that their occupation would ever be in danger as it is today. I am still grateful to them for helping me to survive my juvenile illnesses and accidents back in the day. I still remember each one of them with admiration. It helped a lot that they cared enough to make house calls.
