10-05-2008, 09:56 AM
quote:
It could be that the BI just doesn't have the population to sustain the number and variety of doctors that people want.
Sure it does. The doctors aren't leaving because they didn't have patients. Most specialists here have long waits for appointments, which says they are busy.
I met someone who needed to see an ENT here for a persistent infection, who was given an appointment 9 or 10 months out! Other people saying 2-4 months wait to talk to a vascular surgeon. And so forth. The demand is there.
HMSA the main employee insurance (run by the state?) is a nightmare to deal with.
The insurance companies make the billing such a pain. I know that's true on the mainland too, but perhaps the amount they're willing to reimburse is just too low for the cost of living and leasing an office and keeping a staff in this state.
I know the malpractice premiums are a factor as was already said.