Prior to the passage of health reform legislation, the U.S. health care system was already anticipating a shortage of primary care physicians as older physicians retired and fewer medical students appeared ready to take their place. Now, with the potential influx of millions of newly insured patients in 2014 when the full effects of health reform take effect, this potential shortage has become more urgent than ever.
Better Health, which began in February 2007, involves more than 20 stakeholders including health systems, hospitals, payors, and state and local government. More than 45 participating physician practices—most of which have electronic health records that allow tracking and measurement—take part in learning collaboratives
In 2011, health insurance premiums in the United States are going to rise. In all likelihood, the price increase that consumers are going to see isn’t going to be trivial.
