Doctors warn higher taxes cost jobs

Dear Editor,

As the owner of the Wall Center for Plastic Surgery in Shreveport, we find ourselves possibly facing higher taxes for owning a small business. The current bill will also cause our patients to pay more for our services through an “elective” medical procedures tax.

As the expense of obtaining procedures increases, more patients will be priced out of the market. This will force small medical offices like ours to eliminate additional staff to reduce expenses. We employ around 40 staff members, 12 of these being full-time with health care benefits. If this bill passes, we may be forced to offer even our part-time employees insurance. How will anyone be able to stay in business?

This new tax will not only impact patients of cosmetic surgeries, but may include ALL “elective” procedures: from reconstructive surgery, to mole removal, to gastric bypass, and even circumcisions, to name a few. The line between “cosmetic” and “reconstructive” surgery is not always clear and leaves the decision of medical necessity up to tax auditors - a completely inappropriate proposition.

Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic surgery is no longer an exclusive luxury afforded by the very wealthy. The ASAPS found that 86% of cosmetic surgery patients are working women, and that 71% of plastic surgeries are for individuals making less than $60,000 a year. Most importantly, 40-60% reported income of $30,000-$60,000. This data clearly refutes the suggestion that elective surgery taxes are “luxury” taxes affecting a privileged few.

Sen. Landrieu, please do not punish small business owners in Louisiana by voting for this bill. But more importantly, please keep in mind the best interests and the quality of life for all citizens across the country.

Sincerely,
The Wall Center: Dr. Simeon Wall, Sr.; Dr. Holly Casey Wall; and Dr. Simeon Wall, Jr.
Shreveport, La.