Most primary doctors report that the Act has caused no change in their ability to provide quality , although like the general population their opinions about the are about evenly split.
Asked how their ability to provide quality medical has changed since the went into effect in January 2014, 79% said it has improved or stayed the same, while 20% said it has declined. About 44% reported seeing an increase in their total number patients, mainly those newly covered by or .
About 54% primary physicians said the has had no impact or a positive impact their medical practice overall, while 36% said it had a negative impact, and 9% were not sure. Asked about their ability to deliver quality medical , 68% saw no impact or a positive impact, with 25% a negative effect and 6% saying they were unsure.
Their ability to meet patient demand was unaffected or positively affected, in the view 44% the doctors, while 35% reported a negative affect and 10% being unsure.
The patient has been negatively affected in the view 44% the doctors, with 38% seeing a positive impact or no impact, with 16% unsure.
Regarding access to nationwide, 60% saw a positive impact or no change, with 24% a negative impact and 14% being unsure.
About 48% primary physicians have a favorable opinion about the , while 52% having an unfavorable view. Among the public at , 44% favor it and 41% do not (the remainder declined to state their views.)
The findings were reported in the current issue the Journal the American Medical Association. They were drawn from a survey primary physicians conducted early this year, with funding by the Kaiser Family Foundation.