In my opinion, (and without taking sides of the political table), the jury is still out on whether or not ObamaCare is a good thing or not. From a consumer standpoint, the rise in costs is certainly not a good thing. While I understand that health plans now have to cover more conditions/illnesses than they did before since ObamaCare eliminates pre-existing conditions and that might be why the cost is going up, it is not just a small increase that is being seen.
A recent report by HealthPocket.com shows that consumers of all ages are seeing an increase in health insurance premiums. We are now a full year into ObamaCare and purchased health insurance shows higher premiums for all ages and for both males and females. These increases ranged from 22.7% to the highest increase being for the average 23 year old male and coming in at a 78.2% increase.
In the long run, are we going to see less chronic conditions piling up as citizens age and are covered by Medicare? Are more patients going to be treated in ambulatory settings and staying away from emergency rooms and hospital stays? Will these possible transitions lower costs?
The impact of ObamaCare on physicians in huge. Obamacare provides no solution for the perpetual payment system problem facing Medicare physicians, it imposes more rules and restrictions on physicians, and according to the American Association of Medical Colleges, by 2020, the nation will need an additional 91,500 doctors to meet medical demand while ObamaCare exacerbates the problem by worsening physicians’ attitudes toward the health care system.
I hate to see physicians giving up due to the complications and red tape which healthcare administration has caused. I hate to see physicians selling their practices to the hospitals. Don’t let bean counters run our healthcare practices and don’t let the franchising that happened to our food restaurant business be repeated in the doctor’s office.
Running a practice is hard, but not impossible. Just follow these 5 basic steps:
- Don’t just hire your friends and family members just because they think they can do it or they are available and out of a job. Hire professionals that have experience in medical office management.
- Make sure your computer system and EMR are modern and free of bridges, find an all-in-one database such as Greenway Prime Suite, or for startups McKesson Practice Choice is a clear performer.
- If you can’t afford a business administrator, billing manager or a coach, consider outsourcing a part-time manager to run the office for you. Services such as http://www.2020md.com help practices grow.
- Invest 5% of your total income on improving your computers and network security.
- Send your staff for continuing education and certifications to stay up to date with rules and regulations.