Some Good Measures in Health Care Reform

Many people are concerned about recent health care legislation. I share some of those concerns, but a lot depends on the way it is implemented. We must by vigilant in identifying any new rules that interfere with patient choice. However, there are some good things about the legalization that almost everyone can embrace. Coverage of pre-existing conditions is at the top of my list. Decisions by health insurance plans to deny coverage can now be appealed to outside authorities, and in urgent cases, expedited review within 24 hours is required. Insurance companies will now have to justify rate increases. The new Patient Bill of Rights will soon be released. Medical homes, in which family physicians and other primary care docs will coordinate care, are included in the Affordable Care Act, and they have recently been shown to cut costs, booster quality, and improve satisfaction for both patients and physicians. Our practice at the Celebration of Health Association is one of the early applicants to become certified as a medical home. We anticipate that certification will enhance acceptance of some of the alternative practices that we provide.