Survey finds Ohio doctors feeling impact of economy

A survey released Tuesday by the Ohio State Medical Association found that 70 percent of medical professionals in the state report either a decrease in business or an increase in cancellations from October 2008 through June (Source: “Survey: Ohio medical practices feeling economy’s sting,” Dayton Business Journal, Aug. 11, 2009).

The statewide survey of 559 medical professionals was conducted in June and July. The results were released in a report (pdf, 13 pages) available on the OSMA’s Web site. The survey also found that 92 percent of respondents have seen an increase in the number of patients who have lost their health coverage and 86 percent said that have seen in an increase in patients who have had trouble paying their bills.

“No sector of the economy is immune to the effects of this recession,” OSMA President Roy Thomas said in a statement. “However, we are trying to work with our patients to ensure continuity of care in this harsh economic climate.”