Bill Overview
Title: Protect Our Physicians Act
Description: This bill exempts programs that provide certain mental health services for physicians from restrictions under the Stark law (i.e., the Physician Self-Referral Law).
Sponsors: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Target Audience
Population: Practicing physicians worldwide
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill focuses on mental health services for physicians.
- The Stark Law restricts physician referrals and impacts programs that physicians participate in for integrated care.
- The exemption will likely increase the accessibility and availability of mental health services specifically for physicians.
- Considering there are around 12 million physicians worldwide, this bill should directly impact a significant number of these professionals.
- Apart from direct beneficiaries, improved physician mental health can indirectly benefit their patients and healthcare institutions.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on increasing access to mental health services for physicians, specifically within the US, impacting an estimated 1 million physicians.
- While directly targeting physicians, the bill might have indirect benefits for their patients by improving the overall effectiveness of care.
- Considering the cost limitations, the intervention impacts might range depending on the specialty, location, and current state of mental health resources available to physicians.
- The diversity of interviews ensures representation across different geographic locations, specialties, and socio-economic backgrounds among physicians.
Simulated Interviews
Cardiologist (San Francisco, California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel constantly stressed with the demands of my job.
- Having easier access to mental health services would be a relief.
- However, I'm concerned about confidentiality and how much this would really change my day-to-day stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Pediatrician (New York City, New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- After returning from maternity leave, managing stress is particularly challenging.
- If this policy can give me direct access to mental health support, it could be incredibly beneficial.
- Support in managing work-life balance is crucial and much needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
General Practitioner (Rural Kansas)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's tough to find appropriate mental health support around here.
- The policy might bring some improvement, but I'm skeptical about the reach in rural areas.
- If implemented well, it could really help reduce burnout.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Anesthesiologist (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Dealing with high-stakes situations daily takes a mental toll.
- Additional mental health support that is easily accessible and non-stigmatized is necessary.
- Not sure if the policy will cut through the administrative barriers we face.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Resident Doctor (Miami, Florida)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Residency is extremely tough both mentally and physically.
- Easier access to mental health services would definitely help prevent burnout.
- Residency programs need to incorporate mental health solutions actively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
Surgeon (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen many colleagues burn out due to unmanaged stress.
- Mental health support would be a welcome addition, but we need to tackle stigma first.
- Long-term effects of such a policy might not be visible immediately.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Psychiatrist (Houston, Texas)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a psychiatrist, I see firsthand the mental toll the profession can take.
- This policy can significantly alleviate stress if executed well.
- Professional support is needed, but we also need training on utilizing services without guilt.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Family Medicine (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen the landscape of healthcare change drastically.
- Mental health in healthcare environments is often disregarded.
- If this policy is effective, it might set a standard for future initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Emergency Medicine Resident (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My job is high-pressure and extremely demanding time-wise.
- The opportunity to access mental health resources without financial burden would be impactful.
- Student debt and lack of time are major hurdles in seeking help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Orthopedic Surgeon (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Running a practice is financially straining amidst increasing costs.
- The policy might help balance the mental stress that business brings.
- Financial implications of implementing such policies are of concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $42000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $44000000, High: $64000000)
Year 5: $58000000 (Low: $48000000, High: $68000000)
Year 10: $64000000 (Low: $54000000, High: $74000000)
Year 100: $80000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $90000000)
Key Considerations
- Determining the extent to which the Stark law exemption impacts healthcare programs offering mental health services.
- Assessing variability in how health institutions might implement these changes and manage associated costs and savings.
- Considering potential resistance from stakeholders who might incur initial increased expenses.