The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 and Ohio physicians

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the perspectives of Ohio physicians on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. While much has been debated about ACA, relatively few studies have focused on how ACA will impact on physicians' practice behavior. Design/methodology/approach – The research data came from a mailed survey of ninety physicians randomly selected from the Cigna Directory of Physicians practicing in Ohio. Study examined how informed were physicians about ACA, and explored how much the effect of ACA has been discussed in their practice, how they think ACA will impact their practice, and whether or not they are in favor of the provisions under the Act. Findings – Overwhelmingly, while the physicians surveyed were familiar with the specific provisions of ACA, almost half of them opposed it. Primary care physicians reported generally favorable opinions about ACA. All but one of the physicians concluded that ACA, much like managed care provisions, has undermined and will continue to reduce the autonomy and professional independence of physicians. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited by its small sample and reliance on a small set of physicians. Practical implications – This study has practical implications for examining how Ohio physicians are responding to the new health care reform in the United States. It has broader implications for addressing the problem of the uninsured and the role of the federal government in health care provision. Social implications – If physicians are opposed to this reform as the study seems to suggest, it might have broader implications for future career aspirations for physicians. Originality/value – So far as we can tell, there has not been any exploratory study in Ohio examining the perspectives of physicians on ACA.