The evolution of the healthcare system in the US carries us toward an exciting future.  The ACA, in particular, has brought about a multitude of changes affecting healthcare cost, access, and quality.  It remains to be seen how the healthcare system will evolve in the next several years, but we in the ED are well positioned to leverage our skills and capabilities to deliver high quality and valued care in an integrated manner. 

Previously, in the first of a 3-part series on health policy and the ED, we discussed the health system’s historical development and climate surrounding the development and implementation of the ACA.  Here, in Part II, we discuss how the ACA has impacted the health care system in general and more specifically the ED.