Here are nine issues that will affect physicians in the upcoming year, according to the American Medical Association:
1. Medicare reform. The elimination of the sustainable growth rate formula and the passage of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act in 2015 will pave the way for important payment reforms.
2. EHR meaningful use program. This regulatory program is scheduled to move forward next year, following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' release of the meaningful use Stage 3 final rule late in 2015.
3. Insurance mergers. The nation's largest health insurers have proposed mergers that would reduce competition in the health insurance market. If approved, this consolidation would impact patients and physician practices by reducing healthcare access, quality and affordability.
4. Provider networks and balance billing. Insurer networks are expected to continue narrowing, and out-of-pocket expenses for insured patients will continue to increase.
5. Prescription drug abuse and addiction. Due to the increase in opioid deaths in the last decade, the AMA Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse will continue to provide national leadership to stem this public health crisis. Solutions that need to be adopted this year include prescription drug monitoring programs, evidence-based prescribing, a reduction in the stigma associated with substance use disorder, enhanced access to treatment and expanded access to naloxone.
6. Graduate medical education funding and student debt relief. The AMA's Save GME grassroots campaign will continue to urge Congress to maintain funding for GME, which is in danger of being cut.
7. Prescription drug costs. In November 2015, at the 2015 AMA Interim Meeting, physicians voted to convene a task force and launch an advocacy campaign to drive solutions and make prescription drugs more affordable.
8. Health data security. Over the past two years threats to health data security have been increasing and are expected to continue increasing in the coming year. The AMA is working with the federal government to ensure better protections for health information.
9. Telemedicine. This trend will see more widespread use in the upcoming year. The AMA intends to advance the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact of the Federation of State Medical Boards, as well as advocate for the removal of arbitrary barriers to telemedicine coverage under Medicare and promote AMA model state telemedicine legislation.