Local Doctors Prepping For Health Care Reform - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

SALISBURY, Md. - The health care reform takes effect next year.

While many won't start noticing changes until then, local doctors are already preparing.

Take a look at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, because of the Affordable Care Act, what you see now will be completely different next year.

"Hospitals today are going to be used for those who are really sick in the future," said Chris Hall, Peninsula Regional Medical Center chief business officer.

Hospitals, home care and primary care physicians will follow a patient centered medical home model, meaning all will work together to provide ample care for the patient.

The patient will have more say in their care.

"I think what is going to happen is the patient is going to be much more involved in the decision-making process," said Nancy Bagwell, Peninsula Home Care branch director.

"Part of the health care reform is trying to have the health care community focus more on the health of the individuals rather than the sick care and hospitals always been historically providing sick care," said Hall.

By following the older model, hospitals were paid by Medicare through the number of patients. Now, health care workers say it will come through performance and quality.

"Care and prevention is going to be the focus," said Hall. "Unfortunately, the future is unknown and as hospitals are preparing today, they are trying to prepare for something that's evolving. Everyday more information is coming out."

Medicare taxes will increase with the Affordable Care Act. Already, taxes have increased by 0.9 percent for those who earn more than $200,000.