Government Health Care Reform - What Does it Mean to Physicians?

Is it Constitutional? An argument can be made that a government health care system is unconstitutional. The argument could be made under the "right to privacy" rulings that were a cornerstone in such cases as Roe v. Wade. The details of the health care reform are still being worked out and are sure to be complex in their design.

Insurance Reform: President Obama is speaking about the creation of a National insurance program which will cover every American. The governments view is that they will be able to fund this new health care system by reallocating funds currently available and not being used efficiently. It is important to note that private insurance companies are not in favor, and feel they are competing against the government. President Obama feels that the insurance companies have said the government cannot run anything efficiently and should not feel threatened.

Electronic Health Records: While there are many issues still up in the air, Electronic Health Records is the one area where the direction has been decided and the future is clear. The legislation has been enacted and the money has been appropriated. The early adopters will be rewarded by the government subsidizing the cost of implementing the CCHIT certified electronic health record system into a doctor's practice.

The Carrot or the Stick! It is clear that staying on top of the where the government is going with the reimbursements are going to be very important in the next few years. Those that are able to comply will be rewarded, those that are slow to adopt will be penalized by a 5% reduction in reimbursement.

By Garry Reeder

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