Expanded access to healthcare in Massachusetts and Oregon led to long waits for patients who gained new insurance and had no existing relationship with a primary-care doctor. That's what David Taylor expects to see at Springfield, Mo.-based CoxHealth, where he is vice president of regional services.
In preparation for a surge of newly insured patients who bought plans in the marketplace set up under the Affordable Care Act, Taylor said CoxHealth “bolstered” its primary-care physician recruitment efforts; opened clinics staffed by nurse practitioners in Wal-Mart stores; and began offering patients access to physicians through online portals. He adds that, “to this point, few health plans are reimbursing us for the e-visits.
