Visualizing Health Policy: Experiences and Attitudes of Primary Care Practitioners After the ACA

Based on a survey of primary care clinicians in early 2015, this Visualizing Health Policy infographic examines the experiences and attitudes of primary care practitioners (PCPs) after the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) major coverage provisions took effect in January 2014. Although most report no change in their ability to provide quality care, their opinions about the health care law are sharply divided along political party lines. Generally, primary care physicians have a more negative view of health reform’s effect on the cost of patient care, but a more positive view of the law’s impact on patient access to health care and insurance. About 6 of 10 primary care clinicians say they’re seeing more newly insured patients or patients covered by Medicaid since the ACA’s major coverage provisions took effect in January 2014. Large shares—66% of nurse practitioners and physician assistants and 50% of physicians—report that they’re currently accepting new Medicaid patients.

Visualizing Health Policy is a monthly infographic series produced in partnership with the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The full-size infographic is freely available on JAMA’s website and is published in the print edition of the journal.