Memorandum
To: Alfred Bonati, M.D.
American Society of Medical Doctors
From: Chris Perkins, Vice President
Subject: Survey Results
Date: August 19, 2009
Key Findings
§ An overwhelming number of specialty physicians oppose President Obama’s and the Democratic Congress’ health care plan.
o We asked specialty physicians the following question
As you may have heard, President Obama and the Democrats in Congress have introduced legislation that would change our healthcare system. Based on what you’ve heard about their proposals, do you support or oppose their proposals?
o Seven-in-ten (70%) specialty physicians oppose the Democratic plan compared to just 30% who support it.
o A majority (54%) of specialty physicians strongly oppose the plan.
§ Majorities of specialty physicians in all parts of the country oppose the plan.
o Opposition is most intense in the Midwest with 61% of specialty physicians strongly opposed to the plan and a total of 70% opposed to the plan.
o More than seven-in-ten specialty physicians oppose the plan in the Northeast (76%) and the West (72%).
o Opposition is slightly lower in the South, but even in that region 60% of specialty physicians oppose the Obama/Democratic plan.
§ Specialty physicians believe a government-run insurance plan would hinder their ability to give their best advice and offer the best care to their patients.
o Two-thirds (66%) of specialty physicians believe a government-run insurance plan would hinder patient care.
o Specialty physicians in the Western U.S. are particularly concerned about the effects of a government-run insurance plan on their ability to care for their patients with 72% saying such a plan would hurt patient care.
§ Specialty physicians would not accept new patients who are part of a government-run insurance plan.
o Three-in-five (60%) specialty physicians say they would not accept new patients who are part of a government-run insurance plan.
Methodology
On behalf of the American Society of Medical Doctors, Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Research conducted a research study of specialty physicians nationwide.
A random sample of physicians was drawn from a nationwide opt-in panel of doctors. The sample was stratified to ensure that it was representative of the geographic distribution of doctors in the U.S.
Respondents completed the survey by logging in to a secure internet site between August 6 and 9, 2009. The study has a sample size of n=157 specialty physicians.
About Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Research
Since 1998, WPA has been a leading provider of political polling for campaigns from Mayor and City Council to Governor and U.S. Senate in 47 states and several foreign countries. In 2007-2008 alone, WPA conducted polling in 252 races for campaigns, caucuses and independent expenditures efforts.
In addition to our political and policy research, WPA provides donor research to Christian and other not-for-profits and alumni research to colleges and universities. More than 200 Christian and other not-for-profit organizations around the country and dozens of large and small colleges and universities have relied on WPA’s data and analysis.
WPA’s corporate research arm has provided market research to more than 100 of the Fortune 500 and to hundreds of small and medium businesses nationwide.
