A recent Merritt Hawkins survey found a plurality of physicians (42 percent) "strongly support" a single-payer healthcare system, while 14 percent said they "somewhat support" the model.
Phillip Miller, vice president of corporate communications for the organization, claims there are four main reasons physicians have warmed to the notion of a single-payer system.
1. A single-payer system would provide clarity and stability. Physicians in favor of the alternative model claim it will reduce the complexity of the current system and allow them to focus on their patients' care, Mr. Miller says.
2. Younger physicians are less resistant to the idea. Past surveys conducted by the organization show younger physicians "are more accepting" of the ACA, ACOs, EHRs and general changes in the industry, compared with older physicians, says Mr. Miller.
3. A single-payer system is inevitable. According to Mr. Miller, many physicians have resigned to the fact that the nation is steadily drifting toward the alternative model and would rather implement the system now to "get [the transition] over with," the report states.
4. There are philosophical changes in public mindset. Many physicians and state and federal lawmakers, Mr. Miller claims, have undergone a philosophical change in mindset and believe the nation "should make an effort to cover as many people as possible."