MIAMI, Mar 9, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Healthcare providers in South Florida
say people are putting off trips to the doctor's office as the recession
deepens.
The Miami Herald said anecdotal evidence from dozens of healthcare providers
suggests even people who still have jobs are thinking twice about elective
procedures and copays.
''Patients are spending less, no question about it,'' primary care doctor Bernd
Wollschlaeger told the newspaper. "A patient needs an echocardiogram. And they
say they can't afford the $100 or $200
co-payment, so they're deferring. In the long run, this just can't be good for
healthcare.''
Karen Godfrey, vice president of Baptist Health South Florida, said patients are
hesitating over paying co-pays as low as $15. Administrators at other hospitals
say they're seeing sick patients who are afraid or unable to take time off from
work, the newspaper said.
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