Healthcare in the United States has always been somewhat of a polarizing issue among the general populace, and there is little doubt that it has come up short in recent years. Healthcare providers have, in some cases, been caught in the crossfire of an insurance-based sector that classified Americans as either covered or not, a scenario that directly influenced the online introduction of landmark legislation on October 1.

For anyone that hasn't been following the virtual birth of President Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, it is probably fair to say that, to date, it has been a hot topic in the healthcare IT sector. Dubbed "Obamacare," it has created a dialogue between not only healthcare providers, but also among millions of consumers who either want to purchase health insurance or need guidance as to how to proceed.

Seen by many as much needed reform of a healthcare system that was struggling to come to terms with the digital age, the ACA is expected to increase the quality and affordability of health insurance, especially for those who may not be covered by an employer. At the same time, it requires healthcare providers themselves to conform to a number of IT mandates and recent digital advancements that are causing a bottleneck within their internal systems.

Digital demands of the ACA
The centerpiece of this brave new world is the Health Insurance Marketplace, a one-stop online shop where consumers can purchase the coverage they need – or had previously been denied – while also having access to price guides that could determine the best course of action. In the last few months, the general public has been encouraged to enroll in the program, a situation that could have a drastic effect on healthcare staffing requirements at various providers.  The increase in new patients dictates a need for more medical professionals on staff, while digital advancements and expanded access for patients dictate the need for more healthcare IT experts.

Bearing in mind that there is already a demonstrated talent gap in healthcare IT, medical providers will need to make sure that existing computer systems dovetail with the requirements of the ACA. IT staffing is expected to take precedence, especially when considering that Bush-era requirements for electronic medical records have not, as of yet, been fully integrated. 

At the same time, there is a demonstrated need to educate consumers as to what they can expect from the ACA, a situation that has again been hindered by factors beyond their control. Healthcare providers have to make sure that they are fully equipped to deal with questions about coverage or benefits that may have been dealt with by insurers in the past, especially now that the intentions of the ACA are open to different interpretations or viewpoints. This may involve bringing in additional staff, most likely in a help-desk capacity, which could help clear the allegedly muddied waters of Obamacare and allow the medical profession to concentrate on what they do best – treating the sick and providing patient care.