How does the ACA impact data collection and epidemiological research?
One of the key provisions of the ACA is the expansion of health insurance coverage, which has resulted in a larger proportion of the population having access to health care services. This increased access facilitates better data collection on health outcomes and risk factors. For epidemiologists, comprehensive data is crucial for identifying trends, assessing the effectiveness of interventions, and conducting robust research. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) under the ACA has also significantly enhanced the ability to collect and analyze health data more efficiently.