Patients have been voicing their opinions about healthcare reform. However, little has been heard from the doctors and other healthcare workers.

A study released by the South Carolina Medical Association reveals that 95 percent of the doctors surveyed said they have changed the way they treat patients. The results indicate that costs frequently trump care due to restrictions from health insurance companies.

SCMA CEO Todd Atwater blames insurers for changing the ways doctors and patients interact.

"Not only do these practices discriminate against those with limited resources, but the practices are cumbersome for all parties involved," says Atwater. "These added barriers have associated costs that are weighing down an already overburdened system."

Healthcare costs have increased over the years. Some patients, too, may pressure doctors to prescribe generic medications and the like to help contain expenses.

While cost is something that is on the minds of many, it's important not to sacrifice quality care. Consumers can search for affordable health insurance quotes online to help obtain coverage that fits their price range.

With a myriad of options to chose from when looking for affordable health insurance quotes, consumers may find it difficult to distinguish which plan will best fulfill their needs. Better communication can help iron out any confusion, says Xerox Global Document Outsourcing.

According to a Xerox survey, more than half of the respondents said health insurance companies need to do a better job communicating benefits, Xerox Global Document Outsourcing vice president Paul Lundy says

"Healthcare is a very personal experience. Insurance providers who tap into that with customized communication will reap the benefits of increased customer loyalty," says Lundy. "From open enrollment to claims processing, there's a tremendous opportunity to better communicate with customers through their preferred channels - whether its e-mail, smartphone or direct mail - and deliver a more positive experience."

There has been a push to get the healthcare system to use electronic record keeping more widely to help reduce the number of errors in treating patients and increase efficiency. Being able to effectively communicate with a doctor about one's care is important for ensuring optimal service is received.
 

Spending on medical care increased more than 6 percent in between the second quarters of last and this year, according to the Thomson Reuters Healthcare Spending Index for Private Insurance.

While costs edged upward in all areas, expenses for hospital care, at more than 8 percent, increased more rapidly than those for doctor visits or medications. Thomson Reuters Center for Healthcare Analytics chief research officer Gary Pickens says the index serves multiple purposes.

"The index helps employers and insurers benchmark their costs, healthcare providers understand their revenue streams, and policymakers monitor healthcare inflation and its implications," says Pickens.

It's not just expenses in the private healthcare section that have increased. Research has shown that medical costs have been out-pacing inflation for years.

Those who have individual health insurance plans as well as those with group policies may want to consider utilizing generic drugs and other similar measures to help reduce the amount they spend on care without sacrificing their well-being.

Patients should always consult their physician before changing any sort of medical regime prescribed. Switching a plan without notifying a doctor could have undesirable consequences.

What comes to mind when many people think about medical care is group and individual health insurance plans - and their costs. However, there is another side to the industry - the doctors and nurses who help care for patients and the issues they face.

A study by WebMD reveals that doctors face many ethical dilemmas on the regular basis. For example, just over 60 percent of respondents indicated they felt it was wrong to cover up a mistake, even if it wouldn't result in harm to a patient.

WebMD professional service executive vice president Steven Zatz says doctors try to do the right thing when faced with a difficult situation.

"What came through loud and clear through this survey is that by and large, doctors try to do what they believe is right," says Zatz. "However, the results also highlight the complex ethical issues confronting physicians and their efforts to make appropriate decisions."

It's important for patients to select a doctor they trust. A physician helps make medical care decisions and diagnoses that can greatly impact a person's life and well-being.

One of the new provisions under healthcare reform is the requirement for health insurance companies to cover preventative care procedures for patients. The coverage will be offered to those with new group or individual health insurance plans. Not only will such measures potentially prompt more people to seek out care, but they may end up saving money in the long run.

The American Lung Association says the Affordable Care Act is a good law and should help people quit smoking. They note, however, that it's up to individual states to step in.

"Quitting smoking not only saves smokers' health, it curbs the health costs that drain our state treasuries," says ALA president and CEO Charles Connor. "Giving all smokers access to a comprehensive cessation benefit now is the right thing to do, and it's the smart thing to do."

According to a report by the ALA, some states have already increased efforts. Montana, Nebraska and Florida, for example, have started to provide quit-smoking benefits to state employees.

Experts say quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do to improve their overall health and reduce their chances of a premature death.