ACA may induce early retirement for plastic surgeons

 More than 88% of aesthetic physicians are concerned about how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will affect the practice of plastic surgery, and up to one-third may retire early as a result of these changes, according to an online poll conducted by Plastic Surgery Practice. There was also concern that there would be an influx of nonqualified practitioners providing aesthetic procedures at lower rates to increase their revenue stream, which could compromise patient safety.

The survey was sent to plastic and reconstructive surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, dermatologists, dermatologic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, and oculoplastic surgeons who subscribe to Plastic Surgery Practice magazine. Among the findings:

• Close to 45% have transitioned from paper charts to computerized systems, but more than 40% have not. Of these, 80.5% have no plans of investing in an EMR system largely because of cost and concerns about privacy.
• More than 70% of respondents are board-certified plastic surgeons, and about 9% are facial plastic surgeons.
• Close to 45% of practices that take insurance do not plan to work with carriers on the healthcare exchanges (the state or federal-run online health insurance marketplaces).

Source: PRWeb