Demand for primary care creates opportunities for locum physicians and nurse practitioners
Within the next two years, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is poised to expand healthcare coverage to more than 30 million Americans. However, the supply of primary care physicians (PCP) is small and experts estimate that it can’t keep up with the increase in access. The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates that the United States faces a shortage of 60,000 primary care physicians overall by 2020. The problem is compounded by the fact that healthcare researchers are reporting that primary care is directly related to healthcare cost control efforts. IBM conducted a global healthcare study and found that countries … Read more »
Long ED stays for intoxicated patients highlights need for dedicated observation units
A recent study published by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) found that psychiatric patients spend an average of 11.5 hours in the emergency department (ED). The patient’s age and insurance coverage contributed to the increased length of stay; however, the most significant factor was intoxication. Patients with a positive toxicology screen for alcohol stayed an average of 6.2 hours longer than others. “The presence of alcohol had a dramatic effect in lengthening overall length of stay, with a particular influence on the time before and during psychiatric evaluation,” according to the report’s authors. The delay is due to … Read more »
Locum tenens career could solve young physicians’ pessimism
According to a study published by The Physicians Foundation, physicians under the age of 40 exhibit considerable pessimism regarding the future of the U.S. healthcare system. Well over half (57%) said they are pessimistic about the future of the U.S. healthcare system in general, with 49% responding that they believe the Affordable Care Act will have a negative impact on their practice. The majority of the physicians polled blame increased government involvement and intensifying regulatory scrutiny for their poor outlook. One respondent stated, “I do not feel optimistic because of all the increased regulatory burdens on physicians. There will be … Read more »
Thoughts on Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
Implementation of Accountable Care Organizations (a component of the Affordable Care Act) is ramping up throughout the United States. We thought this would be a good time to reflect on how Barton Associates is positioned to support ACOs. There are, essentially, three key factors that will contribute to the success of ACOs: Quality. When it comes to ACOs, quality counts. ACOs are rewarded when certain quality metrics are met. In light of the nationwide physician shortage, it seems clear that ACOs will rely heavily on locums tenens providers. It’s critical that these providers are highly-skilled and well-trained. Barton will continue … Read more »