Survey Finds Many Doctors Not Discussing ACA With Their Patients
Half of surveyed patients who regularly see their physician have not heard them discuss the Affordable Care Act, according to a survey released Tuesday by HealthPocket, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports (Viebeck, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 7/2).
Researchers from HealthPocket, a health insurance industry analyst, received 1,176 responses to an online survey conducted between June 26 and June 28 (HealthPocket survey, 7/2).
Among patients whose physicians did discuss the ACA with them, the survey found:
- 38% heard mostly negative things about the ACA;
- 33% heard mostly positive things; and
- 29% heard mostly neutral things.
HealthPocket said that the survey results indicate that doctors can play a larger role in educating the public about the ACA. Further, regular checkups could be an opportunity for physicians to discuss whether they will accept coverage plans in the ACA's health insurance exchanges, which could help patients choose coverage, HealthPocket officials said ("Healthwatch," The Hill, 7/2).
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