Richard E. Rieselbach, Patrick L. Remington, Patrick E. McBride, and John G. Frohna: Talk with your primary care physician about health care reform

The ACA is far from perfect, but by extending coverage to an estimated 93 percent of all legal U.S. residents, it is a major step forward in providing affordable coverage to nearly all Americans. It is the first U.S. law to attempt comprehensive reform touching nearly every aspect of our health system. The law addresses far more than coverage, including health system quality and efficiency, prevention and wellness, the health care work force, fraud and abuse, long-term care, biopharmaceuticals, elder abuse and neglect, and many other issues. Most physicians recognize that the road ahead will require congressional Democrats and Republicans to collaborate and modify some ACA elements, as is required after any major law.