Biotech Values

[xrymd]

I'm curious if these same issues are being seem throughout the US or is it just a regional thing

I can tell you in south florida the same is happening both for physicians and hospitals. Revenues are down for most physicians 10-20& and hospitals 5-10% which is a killer for the hospitals which have grocery store like margins when you factor in adjustments from insurance companies, low per diems from HMO's and uninsured care and bad debt. It hurts physicians as well who generally have been reluctant to cut expenses. The main variable expense is cutting staff which most physicians are loath to do. I work a second job at other hospitals that are short staffed in my profession to maintain my income.

My group switched to a HSA account with a $6000 deductable as the premium for families from the blues was $1800/month and is now $700/month with the switch. This, from my personal experience, impacts healthcare decision making and spending.