Here is an interesting article recently published in the New York Times. Alarmed by a shortage of primary care doctors, The Department of Health and Human Services is recruiting a team of “mystery shoppers” to pose as patients, call doctors’ offices and request appointments to see how difficult it is for people to get care when they need it. The survey is expected to begin soon and is expected to provide empiric data of primary care access limitations to insured people.
Although the data is meant to be summarized in aggregate, and not meant to identify individual practices or practice, the response from some physicians has been less than enthusiastic. Quoted in the article are colleagues likening the practice to 'Big Brother' and 'government snooping.' Predictable.
As an epidemiologist working in hospital infection prevention, we are frequently faced with policy decisions. We find that collecting, analyzing and summarizing data leads to more evidence based, emotion-free decision making. Hence, a survey such as this may prove useful.
For those that disagree, if one were to attempt a voluntary, anonymous self administered (by physicians) questionnaire of primary care access, the response rate would be exceedingly low (due to busy schedules), would not be representative, and would likely be very biased.
Bad science.
