Majority of Physicians Not Pleased with Affordable Care Act

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While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) aims to reduce costs and improve healthcare processes, survey findings from Jackson Healthcare's “Physician Attitudes on the Affordable Care Act” show physicians have an overwhelmingly negative viewpoint of the policy. This survey, conducted online between May 25 and June 4, 2012, collected responses from physicians who have been placed by Jackson Healthcare staffing companies and those who have not. 

The survey results show just 31 percent of physicians feel the ACA deserves a grade of “A” or “B”, versus 68 percent who would give it a “C”, “D”, or “F.” One of the main reasons the ACA is in place is to reduce costs; however, 70 percent of physicians said ACA would not help with rising healthcare costs. The ACA is also intended to improve the overall quality of healthcare, but 61 percent of surveyed physicians believe it will not do so. 

Dr. William Fleming, president of the Texas Medical Association, said of the ACA, “We believe the bill’s unaffordable health system reforms, piled on top of a crumbling Medicare foundation, will create even more dire consequences for all. We now urge Congress to take swift action to stop the implosion of our Medicare system.” This is according to an article on Physician News.

While the Affordable Care Act targets healthcare improvement, it seems to be missing the mark, according to U.S. physicians surveyed. Most physicians believe it is actually detrimental to the industry, and feel other changes need to be made to reduce costs and improve quality. 

©iStockphoto.com/Gerald Connell

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