Physician perceptions of health care reform: national versus state knowledge, input and support

Health care reform directly impacts physicians and the practice of medicine. A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 2,000 physicians in the state of Florida to obtain physician perceptions of health care reform. Physician knowledge, input, and support of both state and national health care reform were reported in the lowest categorizations. Issues deemed most important for support were tort reform and physician autonomy. The approach of the Florida plan, managed competition, was viewed as ineffective in addressing the issues of cost and access. Experience with the managed competition model and objective evaluations may alter perceptions and increase physician support.