MGMA Survey: Physician Groups Cautious about Health Insurance Exchanges

According to research released by the Englewood, Colo.-based Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), "Medical group practices are sounding a cautious note surrounding ACA [Affordable Care Act] exchange implementation. A week into the open enrollment period for ACA insurance exchanges, 40 percent responding physician practices reported that they are still weighing their options as to whether or not they will participate with new exchange insurance products," according to a press release issued Oct. 7. "The MGMA research includes responses from more than 1,000 medical groups in which more than 47,500 physicians practice nationwide."

Among survey respondents, the press release noted, "While a majority... see potential opportunities to provide care to an underserved patient population and replace current charity care, more than 80 percent cited concerns about the burden of patient collections on practices and low provider reimbursement rates as major barriers to their participation."

For more details, go to: http://www.mgma.com/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=1375747

MGMA is currently holding its annual conference in San Diego.