Pharmacists Lead Healthcare Evolution as Obama Marks ACA Milestone
Pharmacists are taking on expanded roles in healthcare delivery, with President Obama announcing a significant milestone in health insurance sign-ups under the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, unique partnerships and retail clinic expansions are reshaping the healthcare landscape.
Obama's announcement revealed that 8 million people have enrolled in private health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. This marks a significant step towards expanding healthcare access.
In Seattle, a 'David and Goliath' partnership has emerged. A local hospital has teamed up with a retail clinic to create an after-hours clinic next to its emergency room. This collaboration aims to provide more accessible care for patients.
Pharmacists are at the forefront of these changes. Their roles are evolving, with more pharmacists obtaining certifications in areas like geriatric pharmacy. They are now acting as medical advisors and giving immunizations, competing with traditional doctors' practices.
Retail clinics, such as CVS Minute Clinics, are expected to double in the next three years. They plan to expand their services to manage chronic conditions, further transforming the healthcare landscape.
However, clinics and medical practices have not seen the expected surge of new patients. The absence of a big patient influx may be due to a healthier cohort and new patients' unfamiliarity with navigating the healthcare system. Despite this, healthcare providers generally expect a pent-up demand and perceive the current level of need as accurate or somewhat realized.
The expansion of pharmacists' roles and the growth of retail clinics signal a shift in healthcare delivery. As the Affordable Care Act continues to expand access, the demand for and delivery of healthcare services will continue to evolve. Big bureaucratic healthcare systems are even opening retail clinics in general merchandise stores to reach more patients, indicating a broader trend towards more accessible, convenient care.
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