(PRWEB) May 1, 2006 -- The percentage of working-age Americans with moderate to middle incomes who lacked health insurance for at least part of the year rose to 41 percent in 2005. This is a dramatic increase from the 28 percent in 2001 for those without coverage. These findings were released this month in a study by the Commonwealth Fund, a New York-based private, health care policy foundation.

How do doctors perceive this new population of uninsured patients? A growing number of doctors are realizing that middle income earners represent a new and growing market for their practices. In fact some doctors are moving away from insurance based practice to cash based practice, thereby serving the needs of uninsured middle income patients. Dr. Jeff Oster, medical director of HowMuchDoc.com has witnessed the growth of this uninsured market first hand. “Uninsured patients are very tentative and hesitant to enter into a relationship with a doctor for fear of cost” Oster said. “But once they realize that they can afford healthcare, the sense of relief is quite obvious.”

In addition to uninsured patients, many other patients are learning to become smart shoppers. With the increase in health savings accounts (HSA’s), patients are becoming savvy consumers of health care services, often shopping for value. The key for these patients is to be able to compare costs and understand what healthcare services are affordable. “Comparing the costs of medical services is a new concept for many patients” said Dr. Oster. “Patients become empowered when they realize that they can take charge of their healthcare.”

The internet provides an opportunity for doctors to market to this new and growing population of self pay patients. An internet based search tool has been introduced by HowMuchDoc.com that enables patients to search for doctors by zip code. Doctors can market their practices on HowMuchDoc.com for free. Doctors display their demographics, training and charges for a dozen of their most common office based services. HowMuchDoc.com providers include physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and dentists. Since the administrative costs of an insurance company are eliminated, most doctors on HowMuchDoc.com reduce their normal fees significantly, some up to 30%.

HowMuchDoc.com charges no sign-up fees, membership fees or subscription fees. HowMuchDoc.com provides this service free of charge for consumers and doctors. Additional information can be found at www.HowMuchDoc.com or e-mail protected from spam bots. HowMuchDoc.com is a not-for-profit, limited liability corporation based in Ohio.