Physicians appear to be divided regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Dr. Tom Price, MD, for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, according to a survey by Merritt Hawkins, the physician search division of AMN Healthcare Services Inc. (NYSE: AHS).

“Many physicians have expressed deep dissatisfaction with today’s medical practice environment, given its prevailing regulations and reimbursement restrictions,” said Merritt Hawkins President Mark Smith. “The survey suggests that many doctors hold out hope that Dr. Price will improve things, possibly because he is a physician himself.” 

The survey asked physicians, “What is your impression of Dr. Price as a nominee to lead HSS?” Responses include:

• Generally positive: 46%
• Generally negative: 43%
• Neither positive nor negative: 11%

The survey also asked physicians to indicate whether Price would improve medical practice conditions for physicians if his nomination for HHS secretary is confirmed. The plurality of respondents, 46%, reported they believe Price will improve practice conditions, 34% indicated he will worsen them, and 20% are neutral.

The survey also asked physicians how they think Price would affect access to care for patients. A plurality of physicians, 47%, said they believe Price will detract from the ability of patients to obtain access to quality care if his nomination is confirmed; 42% believe he will improve the ability of patients to obtain access to quality care; and 11% remain neutral. These numbers suggest uncertainty among many physicians regarding how patients will obtain health insurance if Obamacare is repealed by the new administration through HHS direction under Price, according to Smith.

The three-question survey included 1,094 physicians.