White House dumps 'secret shopper' survey of doctors

◼ “After reviewing feedback received during the public comment period, we have determined that now is not the time to move forward with this research project. Instead, we will pursue other initiatives that build on our efforts to increase access to health care providers nationwide.” - Politico
◼ HHS Puts Doctor Snoop Plan on the Back-Burner - Michelle Malkin
◼ Obamacare’s ‘Mystery Shoppers’ - Michelle Malkin
◼ U.S. Plans Stealth Survey on Access to Doctors - NYT

Plans for the survey have riled many doctors because the secret shoppers will not identify themselves as working for the government.

“I don’t like the idea of the government snooping,” said Dr. Raymond Scalettar, an internist in Washington. “It’s a pernicious practice — Big Brother tactics, which should be opposed.”

According to government documents obtained from Obama administration officials, the mystery shoppers will call medical practices and ask if doctors are accepting new patients and, if so, how long the wait would be. The government is eager to know whether doctors give different answers to callers depending on whether they have public insurance, like Medicaid, or private insurance, like Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

◼ Now Obama's sending out 'snoopers' to pose as patients so they can check up on doctors - Daily Mail