Older Americans Concerned There Aren't Enough Physicians, Nurses for Future Healthcare Needs

Rebecca Patton, ANA's president, said the survey showed the country's "unease with our current healthcare system"--including the current level of nursing. More than two-thirds of those questioned said they did not think there were enough nurses to support the healthcare system today.

Among the other findings:

• 97% of respondents thought that being able to choose one's physician was "very important" or "somewhat important."


• 69% of respondents reported hearing "a lot" about healthcare reform in the media.


• 42% reported that they—or someone they knew—spent time trying to get an insurer to pay a medical bill.


• 87% said it was "very important" or "somewhat important" for physicians to get reimbursed adequately so they could continue to get reimbursed by Medicare.