Got a letter from my kids' pediatrician the other day.  It said he would no longer accept health insurance.  Any health insurance.

He gave a bunch of reasons.  Insurance companies just aren't reimbursing doctors enough.  Costs are going up.  He wrote that it was "the most difficult decision in his career."  But, he argued, it would ultimately mean better care for patients.  At least for the ones who can afford to keep seeing him. Now they'll get more of his attention and time. 

The doctor will now decide what type of care is necessary, not the insurance company.

I fired off a nasty reply.

I realize the doctor has a business to run.  He obviously feels he's not being compensated fairly by insurance companies.  That's his right.

Still, his choice is bad news for many of his patients.  Only the wealthier ones will continue to see him.  The ones who won't mind a 40% co-pay (of his non-discounted fees).  The others will just have to find another pediatrician.

I called Blue Cross spokeswoman Peggy Hinz to find out how often this sort of thing is happening.  How many doctors are just throwing up their hands and going to an all-cash practice?  I reminded her that last year Blue Cross changed its fee structure and is now paying less to some doctors for their services.

Hinz doesn't believe it's a problem. 

"That's the first I've ever heard of doctors just completely dropping insurance," she told me.

She may not have heard of it, but in talking to friends, I hear it's happening more often.

Anyone out there seeing the same thing?  Drop me an e-mail....