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Physicians Foundation names top issues for medical practices in 2012
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 19, 2011
The five biggest challenges for medical offices in 2012 are expected to be the shift of physicians from private to large or hospital-based practices, increased regulatory burdens, a shortage of primary care doctors, a growth in demand for physician leadership skills, and the need to provide higher quality care.
This is according to a statement issued Dec. 6 by the Physicians Foundation, which formed in 2003 after health insurers settled lawsuits from physicians and medical associations over payment issues. The foundation said most of the challenges are the result of the continuing impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
"Proposed changes to our health care system have already significantly impacted physicians and patients," said Lou Goodman, PhD, Physicians Foundation president and chief executive officer of the Texas Medical Assn. "We hope the physician watch list helps to address the core issues under the new legislation and offers doctors and the health care community guidance on how to deliver the best care possible to patients in 2012."
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/19/bibf1219.htm.
