The ACA and health insurance exchanges have had varying impact on specialist patient volume and income. Here are key comparisons from the Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2017 showing who was impacted most by the ACA and who could lose in the event of repeal.
Patient volume increase after the ACA:
1. ENT: 61 percent (up from 39 percent in 2016)
2. Gastroenterologist: 45 percent (up from 44 percent in 2016)
3. Ophthalmologists: 32 percent (up from 25 percent in 2016)
4. General surgeon: 31 percent (up from 28 percent in 2016)
5. Orthopedists: 29 percent (down from 30 percent in 2016)
Participation in health insurance exchanges:
6. ENT: 46 percent (37 percent undecided)
7. Gastroenterologist: 44 percent (40 percent undecided)
8. General surgeon: 43 percent (35 percent undecided)
9. Ophthalmologists: 41 percent (30 percent undecided)
10. Orthopedists: 38 percent (36 percent undecided)
Income increased from health insurance exchanges:
11. Gastroenterologist: 5 percent
12. General surgeon: 5 percent
13. Orthopedists: 5 percent
14. Ophthalmologists: 4 percent
15. ENT: 4 percent