What Can We Do in the Face of the ACA?

Futhermore, we need to promote the development of workforce supply-and-demand models that are interprofessional in nature and designed to accommodate predictable aspects of the future, and to explore the costs and benefits, including productivity, of using innovative technology as a mode to delivering primary care.

We should expect change and be ready for it. Yes, we will work harder for less money, and patient outcomes will be measured. We should also anticipate the trend toward a two-tiered system of primary care, with PAs and NPs taking over a major part of initial patient care from physicians (at a lower reimbursable rate from health plans) to continue. Lastly, we must become proactive in representing the role of PAs and NPs when negotiating ACO contracts.

I must admit I do not conclude this editorial with an overall optimistic feeling, since the ACO models and the ACA ultimately are not likely to curb our spending sufficiently to avoid bankrupting the next generation. That aside, we have to deal with them today. While this is a very complicated discussion, I hope you will feel compelled to weigh in and share your thoughts with me at PAEditor@frontlinemedcom.com.

REFERENCES
1. Danielsen R, Ballweg R, Vorvick L, Sefcik R. The Preceptor’s Handbook for Supervising Physician Assistants. Jones & Bartlett Learning. 2012:3.

2. Pipes S. The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care: A Citizen’s Guide. Pacific Research Institute. 2008:5.

3. American Association of Medical Colleges. 2010.

4. Bukata WR. Obamacare: the basics. Emergency Medical Abstracts. 2013;37(4).