Recently, a healthsprocket list was posted which five different ways that ICD-10 (10th edition of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems) will make an impact on physician practices and the need for cost of care transparency as of next year. The list comes from the Physicians Foundation.

Many changes continue to change the United States healthcare system and critical areas will have a large impact on current practicing physicians and their patients over the duration of next year. Consolidation hits the gas pedal in regards to hospitals and health systems are driving smaller medical practices into larger systems. The physician and patient relationships are strained by the external pressures coming from emphasis on value-based payment models and effects of medical consolidation. According to the Foundation's 2014 Biennial Physician Survey, access to physician care will be limited due to <50% of physicians planning to take steps such as: cutting back on patients seen, retiring, working part-time, closing practices to new patients, and seeking non-clinical type work.