Kagan: Practice will get busier

Editor's Note: We asked our editorial board members to share their opinions of the Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act. Here's what Jeffrey M. Kagan, MD, said.

The new law clearly will have a positive impact on the lives of many individuals who are either uninsured or underinsured. The new law sets some basic ground rules for insurance companies that will embellish the covered benefits on some of the existing policies.

I, as a primary care provider, expect my practice to get busier. My partner and I currently have one part-time midlevel [provider] and an [advanced practice registered nurse] and I would anticipate we might need increase her hours or add a second one. We are currently experimenting this summer with having her see patients one evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

I also think hospitals will get busier, with more patients seeking elective procedures such as joint replacements, while they see a decrease in the uninsured [patients] looking for primary care in the [emergency department]. I also believe the trickle down in the healthcare industry will result in growth and increased in employment opportunities for each category or healthcare worker.

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