LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - With the heart of President Barack Obama's healthcare package now upheld by the Supreme Court, questions arise as to how this will affect primary care physicians.
"I don't know where you're going to put them (new patients). I mean you can't see a hundred people a day and do quality medicine," said Dr. Bo of North Cabot Family Medicine.
Dr. Shurley said he has practiced medicine as a primary care physician for more than 30 years. He said it is an area of medicine, even prior to Wednesday's ruling, on the brink of uncertainty.
"Primary care is hurting tremendously,' said Dr. Shirley.
He said the pay is notably higher in specialty areas. Dr. Shurley said the ruling will make it all the more hard to recruit new doctors into primary care.
"There was a day when physicians made a lot of money ... a great living. It doesn't happen anymore," said Dr. Shirley.
He said doctors typically limit the number of patients they see who have government-funded insurance plans.
"...you lose a third of what you would get from a BlueCross BlueShield when you see a Medicare or Medicaid patient," said Dr. Shirley.
He said for now he will continue to do what he loves, but hopes the government will make laws taking into consideration the challenges faced by primary care physicians.
"I hope it's something we can continue to do. I hope it doesn't get to a point where we just flat out can't do it," said Dr. Shirley.