Wisconsin physician opinions on health care reform

To determine Wisconsin physicians' opinions regarding health care reform.

The University of Wisconsin Survey Research Center performed a 46-question mail survey of 2500 randomly selected physicians from the Wisconsin Medical Society master list of practicing physicians. Respondents rated opinions on a 5-point Likert scale. Demographics of respondents (sex practice type, geographic location, age) were compared to non-responders and the overall Wisconsin physician population. Data analysis quantified opinions regarding the health care system in Wisconsin and nationally, elements of health care reform proposals, and the role of public policy and government in health care. The analysis emphasized a comparison of primary care versus specialist physician responses.

The survey yielded a 38% response rate. Respondent demographics were representative of Wisconsin physicians and very similar to nonresponders. Respondents revealed support for several topics, regardless of the respondent's practice type. Respondents also were in agreement on which elements of reform were most frequently favored and most frequently opposed. Nevertheless, there were many areas where primary care physicians strongly differed from specialists, such as favoring legislation for national health insurance (65.6% primary care versus 46.2% specialist).

Wisconsin physicians responding to this survey expressed dissatisfaction with the health care system in which they currently practice and noted a clear desire for system reform. While most respondents agree on a few key priorities, primary care physicians significantly differ in their preferred strategies for reform and, in particular, the role of government in a reformed system. These results indicate a need for more dialogue and education among physicians in order to achieve a consensus that might help promote reform.