I am a physician who has practiced at Auburn Regional Medical Center for more than 25 years. I strongly disagree with the contentions regarding the Affordable Care Act expressed by Dr. Linda Petter in her recent editorial.
As a hospital based physician, I see many patients from the emergency room that lack any health insurance. Over the years the number of these unfortunate individuals has increased steadily, along with a proportionate increase in the amount of charity care provided by physicians and hospitals. It is no coincidence that my health care premiums have more than doubled over the last five years as the cost of care for the uninsured is “shifted” to those of us who are able to afford private health insurance.
It goes without saying that the Affordable Care Act, when fully implemented, would benefit not only the millions of Americans who currently are unable to afford basic health insurance but also physicians and hospitals who currently receive no reimbursement for charity care.What is perhaps most disturbing about Dr. Petter’s editorial is not her misrepresentation of facts regarding our current healthcare system and the Affordable Healthcare Act, but her failure, as a physician, to express any compassion for the millions of Americans who are currently uninsured or to propose any solutions to address the complex healthcare issues confronting our nation.
– Bruce Gilbert, M.D.
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