Teresa Ramos, MD was recently interviewed on the impact of the ACA and how physicians are desperately needed in the health industry. Dr. Ramos will be speaking at the SEAK Nation Non Clinical Careers Conference to be held on October 25-26, 2014 in Chicago, IL.

Q. Dr. Ramos, how has the ACA impacted available non-clinical positions for physicians?

The ACA has increased the amount of patients with health insurance significantly.  It is estimated that more than 30 million Americans who don’t have medical care coverage will be eligible for subsidies to buy private insurance.  Many of these Americans will now be in managed care plans. Examples of managed care plans that will significantly increase in numbers are selected “dual eligibles” (in which individuals have coverage through both Medicare and Medicaid) and Medicaid plans.

The government and insurers have decided that clinical physicians will not be paid for services rendered.   The clinical physicians will be paid based on patient outcomes and will share in any losses insurers sustain due to poor patient outcomes. There are going to be more quality indicators and physicians with high quality scores will be paid more than those with low scores.

Health Insurance companies are under more pressure to spend money on quality medical care rather than quantity.  Fortunately, health insurance industry understands the importance of hiring additional physicians and involving us in developing and managing this process of providing quality care.

Opportunities Available for Physicians in the Health Insurance Industry

Teresa Ramos, MD

Dr. Ramos will discuss her successful career transition into the health insurance industry. She will review the types of health insurance products and the impact of the Affordable Care Act. Dr. Ramos will explain the types of positions available for physicians, opportunities for advancement, work style changes, what insurance companies are looking for in a physician, the CV application and interview process, and available compensation. Dr. Ramos will offer physicians practical information and insight into the many benefits of working in the health insurance industry.

Teresa Ramos, MD is lead medical director, northern division Medicare Operations, for Humana Insurance Company. She received her BS from the University of Michigan, and her MD from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. She is a 2010 alumna of the SEAK Non-Clinical Careers for Physicians Conference.