As the new year begins, local healthcare providers are preparing for a potential flood of patients who previously didn’t have access to insurance, but who will now be covered as the federal Affordable Care Act takes effect.
More primary care physicians and their assistants will be needed, according to healthcare officials. And everyone from primary care doctors to hospitals are beginning to look at increased preventive care, more outpatient procedures and home healthcare services to reduce costs.
In Los Angeles County, about 1.7 million uninsured residents will gain access to coverage, according to the county’s Department of Health Services.
To offer primary care services, Glendale Adventist Medical Center acquired two urgent care centers and a multi-specialty medical practice last summer — all owned by Dr. Ara Tavitian.
At about the same time, Providence Health & Services, Southern California — which owns Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank — acquired Facey Medical Group with locations throughout the San Fernando Valley to provide primary care services.
