The implementation of the ACA in 2010 resulted in an influx of newly-insured patients. Despite the growing patient demand, the country is facing a shortage in physicians, according to Fortune.
Here are seven things to know:
1. Approximately 16.4 million Americans have entered the healthcare system since the ACA was enacted in 2010.
2. The Association of American Medical College projects the total physician demands will increase to 17 percent, which results in a shortage of more than 31,000 primary care physicians and up to 63,700 other physicians by 2025.
3. Some healthcare facilities are responding to the patient demand by engaging, training and redeploying medical assistants and other heath workers. MAs are able to perform advanced tasks including panel management, health coaching, scribing and other clinical duties.
4. Healthcare facilities that utilize the time and talent of healthcare personnel ultimately have better results for patients while reducing costs and increasing revenues.
5. New Jersey's Atlanticare Special Care Center reduced its union insurance payments by 12 percent and emergency room visits by 40 percent by using a medical home model that employs medical assistants as health coaches.
6. The ACA has been working to increase the number of healthcare jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that healthcare added 40,000 jobs in June with an average of 34,000 jobs added each month over the past 12 months.
7. Medical assistants jobs are among the fastest growing occupations in primary care with jobs expected to increase by 29 percent from 2012 to 2022.
More on surgery centers:
AmSurg acquires Bay Area Anesthesia, HCA profits reach $507 million & more — 5 key notes on ASC companies
5 statistics on ophthalmologist net worth
Reduce 'never events' in your ASC