Doctors object to Richardson health plan

ALBUQUERQUE , Nov. 8 (UPI) -- New Mexico's largest physicians group has sharply criticized Democratic presidential hopeful Gov. Bill Richardson's universal health coverage plan.

The New Mexico Medical Society said it objects to a provision in the New Mexico governor's plan that would require doctors to accept any patient with Medicaid or other state healthcare provider, the Albuquerque Journal reported Thursday.

The group also said the plan could lead to the healthcare authority setting physician payment rates within a prescribed range. State physicians have said they wanted the authority to set a minimum payment level for physicians, but leave the possibility open for higher rates.

Richardson's plan has removed "the features that would make the authority the most effective," said Jim Tryon, former president of the medical society. He called for physicians to inform legislators that effective universal health coverage plans must include adequate payment to physicians.

"Something that always comes up in discussions is physician reimbursement," he said. "The stereotype of the rich doctor is more prevalent than I realized."

"Not all parties are going to agree with every aspect of the plan, especially since it calls for shared responsibility," said Michelle Welby, Richardson's health policy adviser.