Here are four key points on how the ACA impacts the provider-patient relationship.
1. Patients have limited choice and access. Because many states have a limited number of payers participating in the changes, patients often do not have easy access to healthcare. Many academic institutions cannot care for patients insured through the ACA because they cannot reach an agreement with insurers on reimbursement. Thus, a patient may often have to choose a different provider.
2. Healthcare costs are escalating. Nearly every U.S. state has increased premiums anywhere from 5 percent to 45 percent, leading many patients to forgo care due to high out-of-pocket costs.
3. Documentation requirements are demanding. Physicians are required to submit more electronic paperwork and documentation, leading to less facetime with patients. Patients often feel a loss of connection with physicians as they spend more time behind a computer screen.
4. More patients are seeing nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Some physicians are utilizing physician extenders such as nurse practitioners and physician assistant to see patients in the office. Because of this, follow-up care may be more inconsistent than if a patient saw his or her regular physician in follow-up appointments.
More healthcare news:
Step outside your comfort zone: Henry Schein’s Scott Jackson on why marketing is crucial for an ASC’s success
7 things for ASC leaders to know for Monday — Jan. 25, 2017
OMNI Surgery Center to officially open in NY — 5 key notes
