Dermatologists consider pros, cons of healthcare reform legislation

Key Points

On Call asked dermatologists around the country whether they prefer to see the legislation repealed or repaired. We also asked what they like - and dislike - most about the law.

The other issue to consider if the bill were repealed is whether any kind of healthcare reform could get passed again, and if so, when. The opinions of the dermatologists run the gamut, from wanting the bill to go further than it does, to not only wanting this bill repealed, but also wanting the federal government to get out of all healthcare programs.

"The healthcare reform I would like to see is the elimination of all forms of government-sponsored healthcare, including Medicare and Medicaid," he says. "I'd like to see them all be done away with. Doctors should go back to fee-for-service and be able to charge patients based upon their ability to pay to a certain extent. We would be able to charge a regular fee for some people, and for people who are unable to pay you can charge less, or not charge of all, if you wanted to on a case-by-case basis."

Other dermatologists don't go that far, but several say they favor repeal over repair of the legislation - although they're conflicted on what happens after that.