In response to a perceived physician shortage, especially in primary care, the government, trade associations, and industry stakeholders are advocate for a solution. The third article in HC Topics Provider Supply Series will address the continuation of the 1990s physician shortage; examine the failure of governmental policies to meaningfully address the perceived shortage; and, consider present day concerns about the physician workforce.  (Read more...) 

On June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) upheld most of the 2010 ACA in a five to four ruling.  Although the anticipation of the Court's decision is gone, there is still a considerable level of concern as to the impact of the ACA's implementation and a continued question as to whether the ACA will remain as it currently stands.  (Read more...) 

Preventive care, often touted by policymakers as superior to medical treatment in achieving cost savings, has come under fire in recent years for its contribution to the ongoing rise in healthcare spending and its often negligible effect on improving patients' health. As various members of the industry seek to clarify preventive care's proper role in healthcare patients and providers are left to maintain the status quo, which often means over-utilization of these services with minimal improvement in health.  (Read more...)