While public health systems have plenty of room to become more trustworthy, I am increasingly convinced that much mistrust stems also from health systems. In a recent YLE survey, for example, more than 1 in 2 participants had difficulty finding a primary care provider.
[…]
On July 31, the PCC and its Better Health NOW Campaign submitted formal comments on the Interim Final Rule implementing Medicaid Community Engagement requirements, calling on CMS to “withdraw and reissue the IFR in a manner that is more consistent with Medicaid’s statutory aim and requirements.”
Read our letter below.
Every other week, the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) gathers major new stories, opinion pieces, research articles, case studies and more covering primary care. Want to submit a piece? Feel free to email the piece to PCC Communications Associate Maximilian Sandefer at msandefer@thepcc.org.
ABMS Announces 2026 Service Award Recipients
Susan Morris, American Board of Medical Specialties
The American Board of Medical Specialties announced its 2026 Service Award recipients, recognizing individuals who have advanced physician professionalism, quality improvement and certification. While not focused exclusively on primary care, the awards highlight leadership that contributes to improving health care quality across specialties.
Why Doctors Burn Out, Connecting With Patientsand How to Fix It
Kevin Pho, Eva Minkoff and Kim Downey, KevinMD
This podcast episode explores the drivers of physician burnout and the importance of rebuilding meaningful patient relationships. The discussion emphasizes that reducing administrative burden and restoring time for patient care are essential to sustaining the primary care workforce.
Primary Care Doctor Pay Hits $330,000, But Increase Lags U.S. Inflation
Bruce Japsen, Forbes
Primary care physician compensation continues to rise but has failed to keep pace with inflation. The article explores how financial pressures may affect physician recruitment, retention and the long-term sustainability of primary care practices.
Carey Goryl and Eli Greenspan, Medical Economics
Authors argue that expanding residency training positions is one of the most effective ways to address physician shortages. Increasing residency opportunities, particularly in primary care, could improve workforce capacity and patient access over time.
COMMENTARY – G2211: A Half-Step That Leaves Independent Primary Care Behind
Robert Resnik, Medical Economics
The author argues that while Medicare’s G2211 add-on payment recognizes the value of longitudinal primary care, it falls short of addressing the financial realities facing independent practices. Broader payment reform, the article contends, is needed to sustain comprehensive, relationship-based primary care.
Video Report, News Center Maine (via Yahoo! News)
Sen. Angus King introduced legislation aimed at making primary care and mental health services more available, emphasizing preventive care as a way to reduce costs. The proposal connects directly to primary care access by seeking to reduce financial barriers to routine and behavioral health care.
Rural physicians are leaving Medicare faster than anyone is tracking
Francesca Mathewes, Becker’s Hospital Review
An increasing number of physicians are opting out of Medicare, raising questions about beneficiary access to care and reimbursement policy. The trend also has implications for primary care, where Medicare participation is critical to maintaining access for older adults.
More Doctors Where They’re Needed: Reforming Medicare’s GME Formula
Lawson Mansell and David Schwartzman, Niskanen Center
This analysis argues that Medicare’s graduate medical education funding formula should be reformed to better align physician training with workforce needs. Redirecting GME resources toward primary care and underserved communities could help address persistent access shortages.
States Face Massive Medicaid Issues Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Eileen Appelbaum, CounterPunch
This commentary examines how recent federal Medicaid legislation could create new financial and operational challenges for states. The author argues that changes to Medicaid funding and eligibility could reduce access to primary care for millions of beneficiaries while increasing pressure on safety-net providers.
New Survey Finds Nearly Three-Quarters of Illinois Physicians Have Experienced Downcoding
Illinois State Medical Society, Small Business News Watch
A new survey reports that nearly three-quarters of Illinois physicians have experienced insurance downcoding, resulting in lower reimbursement than expected. Downcoding creates financial challenges for physician practices, particularly independent primary care practices operating on narrow margins.
The Case for Integrated Primary Care Across 10 Countries
Munira Z. Gunja, Arnav Shah, Corinne Lewis, Commonwealth Fund
A new Commonwealth Fund survey compares how ten countries integrate primary care with behavioral health, specialty care and community services. The findings suggest that stronger integration improves coordination, patient experience and overall health system performance.
Q&A: Why Providers Must Still Work to Reduce Care Fragmentation
Teta Alim, HealthTech Magazine
Health care leaders discuss how fragmented care continues to create inefficiencies and poorer patient outcomes despite advances in health technology. Strong primary care remains central to coordinating services across specialists, hospitals and community resources while delivering more whole-person care.
OPINION: Seat at the Table: Why Community Providers Need a Voice in Health Care Reform
Wendy Thompson, Chief Healthcare Executive
This viewpoint argues that meaningful health care reform must include the perspectives of community-based providers who understand patients’ day-to-day needs. The author emphasizes that strengthening primary care and community partnerships is essential to improving access, care coordination and health outcomes.
Katherine A. Gergen Barnett and Judith L. Steinberg, The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
This research article in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine examines an issue affecting family medicine and primary care practice. The findings contribute to the growing evidence base that informs clinical care, workforce planning and primary care policy.
Kathryn Palmer, Inside Higher Ed
Medical schools continue to expand in response to projected physician shortages across the country. While increasing enrollment is an important step, the article notes that expanding graduate medical education–particularly in primary care–is necessary to translate new graduates into practicing physicians.
Federal Push to Increase U.S. Primary Care Docs Has Fizzled, Study Says
Dennis Thompson, Health Day
A new study concludes that federal efforts to expand the primary care physician workforce have produced limited results. The findings highlight the need for sustained investments in medical education, residency training and payment reform to strengthen the primary care pipeline.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, PR Newswire
A statewide survey found that Michigan residents are experiencing longer wait times for health care appointments and support expanding access to nurse practitioners. The findings illustrate how team-based primary care may help address growing demand and workforce shortages.
Massachusetts Senate passes bill to overhaul primary care
Jonathan Saltzman, Boston Globe
Massachusetts lawmakers have advanced legislation that would increase accountability for primary care investment and encourage insurers to devote a larger share of health care spending to primary care. Supporters argue the bill could improve access while helping shift the health care system toward prevention and value-based care.
Editorial: Bill Gives Primary Care the Overdue Attention It Deserves
Editorial, The Sun
This editorial applauds Massachusetts lawmakers for prioritizing primary care through legislation designed to increase investment and improve access. The piece argues that strengthening primary care is essential to improving health outcomes and controlling long-term health care costs.
Iowa Primary Care Association to Host Rural Health Care Sessions in Fairfield in July
AJ Roe, Ottumwa Radio Group
The Iowa Primary Care Association is hosting rural health care sessions in Fairfield to engage local communities on access and care delivery challenges. The effort highlights the role of primary care organizations in strengthening rural health infrastructure and supporting community-based solutions.
UM Launches Montana’s 1st Public PA Program Aimed at Tackling Rural Health Care Shortage
Missoulian Staff, The MSU Exponent
The University of Montana is launching the state’s first public physician associate program to address health care workforce shortages, especially in rural communities. By training more PAs, the program could help expand team-based primary care capacity in underserved parts of the state.
Oregon Health Director’s New York Times Essay Draws Response From State Primary Care Group
Andrew Schwartz, Willamette Week
Oregon’s primary care community responded to a New York Times essay by the state’s health director, raising concerns about how primary care is represented in broader reform debates. The article underscores the importance of including frontline primary care voices in conversations about cost, access and system redesign.
Legislature Passes Bill to Expand Roles for Nurse Practitioners
Alex Gault, Watertown Daily Times
New York lawmakers passed legislation expanding the role of nurse practitioners, a change aimed at improving access to care. For primary care, broader NP practice authority may help address provider shortages and improve access in underserved communities.
Arizona Must Protect Its Health Care Workforce
Keith Frey, Arizona Capitol Times
This commentary warns that Arizona’s health care workforce is not keeping pace with population growth, physician retirements and rising demand. It cites a need for hundreds more primary care physicians today and nearly 2,000 more by 2030, making workforce investment central to maintaining access.
Kansas Has More Rural Hospitals at Immediate Risk of Closing Than Any Other State
Ben Shackelford-Nwanganga, Rural Messenger
Kansas has more rural hospitals at immediate risk of closure than any other state, according to new national analyses. Because rural hospitals often anchor local primary care and referral networks, closures could significantly reduce access to preventive, chronic and emergency care for rural residents.
Primary Care Medics: Lessons From the Military Might Help Close Health Care Gaps in Rural PA
Whitney Downard, Penn Capital-Star
This article explores whether adapting military-style medic training could help expand access to basic health care services in rural Pennsylvania. The model offers one potential strategy for supporting primary care teams in communities facing persistent workforce shortages.
Figuring Out How to Expand Health Care Access in Pennsylvania’s Rural Communities
Whitney Downard, Penn Capital-Star
Pennsylvania leaders are exploring strategies to improve health care access in rural communities where provider shortages remain a significant challenge. The discussion highlights the importance of strengthening primary care infrastructure alongside broader rural health investments.
6th State [Alaska] Adopts Physician Associate Title
Paige Twenter, Becker’s Clinical Leadership
Another state, Alaska, has officially adopted the title ‘physician associate’ in place of ‘physician assistant,’ reflecting a broader national movement within the profession. The change is intended to better reflect the clinical responsibilities of PAs, who play an increasingly important role on primary care teams.
[Rhode Island] Legislators OK Bill to Disclose AI Use in Health Care Visits
Christopher Allen, Providence Business News
Rhode Island lawmakers approved legislation requiring patients to be notified when AI tools are used to document health care visits and requiring clinicians to review AI-generated documentation for accuracy. As AI tools expand in primary care, transparency and oversight will be important to preserve trust and protect the patient-clinician relationship.
Primary Care Meets Artificial Intelligence
Lambeth Hochwald, Medscape
This article explores how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape primary care, from clinical documentation to workflow management and decision support. It emphasizes that successful adoption will depend on ensuring AI enhances–rather than replaces–the relationship between clinicians and patients.
As AI Listens to Patients, Physicians Face New Questions
Michael Waldholz, Medscape
This article examines the growing use of ambient AI tools that automatically document patient visits. While these technologies may reduce documentation burden in primary care, they also raise important questions about patient privacy, transparency and clinician oversight.
Mass General Brigham and CVS Primary Care Partnership Moves Closer to Reality
Marin Wolf, Boston Globe
Mass General Brigham and CVS are moving closer to a partnership involving primary care delivery. The proposal reflects broader market shifts in which health systems, retailers and insurers are exploring new models to expand access and coordinate care.
Most Clinicians Say U.S. Health Care Is Less Stable Than Two Years Ago
Austin Littrell, Medical Economics
A national survey found that most clinicians believe the U.S. health care system has become less stable over the past two years. Respondents cited financial pressures, staffing shortages and administrative burden, all of which continue to affect primary care practices and patient access.
This compilation was created with support from an AI tool.
At the Community Health Centers of Lane County, leaders plan to eliminate 23 positions — 15 now filled by employees and eight that are vacant.
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Last month, Oregon Health Authority director Sejal Hathi penned an essay in the nation’s leading newspaper, arguing the health care system abandoned her after she gave birth to a child. A few days later, Oregon’s largest primary care group sent Hathi a letter outlining ways she might use her official position to help primary care providers treat families in a more holistic and coordinated way.
[…]
Every other week, the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) gathers major new stories, opinion pieces, research articles, case studies and more covering primary care.
Want to submit a piece? Feel free to email the piece to PCC Communications Associate Maximilian Sandefer at msandefer@thepcc.org.
New Resource: Trusted Partnerships: How Primary Care Can Navigate Mistrust in Medicine
The PCC
On May 12, the PCC and the ABIM Foundation hosted a webinar exploring how strong, ongoing relationships between Americans and primary care can help overcome challenges created by growing mistrust in health care. Watch a recording of the webinar and read our summary.
The downward spiral of independent primary care: Why the math no longer works
Robert Resnik, Medical Economics
The piece explores the financial pressures driving independent primary care practices toward consolidation or closure. Rising operational costs, reimbursement challenges and administrative complexity are making it increasingly difficult for smaller practices to remain sustainable.
Will Primary Care Physicians Soon Be Prescribing Blind?
Carol M. Mangione and Michael Barry, MedPage Today
In the wake of HHS firing the two remaining chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, this commentary discusses the importance of preserving the integrity and independence of the organization which plays a major role in shaping evidence-based preventive care recommendations. The authors argue that weakening trust in preventive screening guidance could undermine primary care’s ability to deliver consistent, patient-centered preventive services and improve long-term population health outcomes.
UCSF doctor has bold plan to achieve better healthcare access
Catherine Ho, Yahoo! News (originally: San Francisco Chronicle)
The article profiles a UCSF physician, Dr. Kevin Grumbach, proposing new approaches to improve health care accessibility and affordability. Many of the ideas center on strengthening primary care delivery and reducing barriers that prevent patients from receiving timely preventive services.
MGMA urges Congress to overhaul Medicare physician payment, scrap MIPS tournament scoring
Austin Littrell, Physicians Practice
The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) urges Congress to reform Medicare physician payment systems and eliminate aspects of the current MIPS scoring model. The PCC also argued in a statement for the record that the existing structure creates unnecessary administrative burden and financial instability for practices, including those in primary care.
OPINION: Integrating mental health into primary care saves lives, money
Marcus Wallace, Tom Wroth, Christoph Diasio
This opinion piece advocates for integrating behavioral health services into primary care settings to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Coordinated care models can help patients receive critical early mental health support while also reducing treatment fragmentation.
Pediatric mental health diagnoses rise in primary care visits, claims study finds
Sydney Jennings, Patient Care
A new claims study found rising rates of pediatric mental health diagnoses occurring during primary care visits. The findings highlight the increasingly important role that primary care clinicians play in identifying, managing and coordinating behavioral health services for youth.
Why US life expectancy continues to trail peer nations
Julia Bonavitacola, AJMC
The article examines factors contributing to lower U.S. life expectancy compared to other developed countries, including chronic disease burden and a lack of care access. Strengthening primary care and preventive health services is presented as a key strategy for improving long-term population health outcomes.
Primary care physician shortage strategies
Gigen Mammoser, Healthgrades for Professionals
The article outlines strategies that health systems and policymakers can use to address the growing shortage of primary care physicians across the United States. Recommendations include expanding workforce pipelines, improving retention efforts and leveraging team-based care models to improve access.
States with the highest, lowest PCP shortages in 2028
Mariah Taylor, Becker’s Clinical Leadership
This report compares projected primary care physician shortages across states through 2028. The data underscores regional disparities in access and highlights the urgent need for workforce planning and investment in underserved areas.
Wyoming’s healthcare struggles explained to lawmakers
Noah Zahn, Wyoming Tribune Eagle Via Wyoming News Exchange
As Wyoming lawmakers held over two days of testimony, health care leaders outlined workforce shortages, access gaps and infrastructure challenges facing the state’s health care system. Rural communities continue to face significant barriers to accessing consistent primary care services, particularly in frontier regions.
Oregon committee to focus on bolstering primary care
David Raths, Healthcare Innovation
Oregon policymakers are forming a committee focused on strengthening the state’s primary care system through investment and reform initiatives. The effort reflects growing recognition that primary care is essential to improving health outcomes and lowering health care costs.
Mass. health centers push for legislation to strengthen primary care and funding
Avery Bleichfeld, The Bay State Banner
Massachusetts community health centers are advocating for various pieces of legislation, including ones aimed at increasing funding and strengthening primary care infrastructure. Supporters say greater investment is necessary to sustain services for underserved populations and address workforce shortages.
OPINION: NY kids need better access to primary care
Jeff Kaczorowski, Special to the USA TODAY Network
The article highlights barriers children in New York face when trying to access timely primary care services. Expanding pediatric primary care access through The Primary Care Investment Act (Senate Bill S1634A) could improve preventive care utilization and long-term health outcomes for New York families.
OPINION: NJ’s physician burnout crisis is pushing doctors to leave
Moishe B. Singer and Soumitra S. Bhuyan, NJ.com
In this op-ed, Moishe B. Singer and Soumitra S. Bhuyan argue that physician burnout is worsening workforce shortages across New Jersey. The authors attribute administrative burden, untenable staffing shortages and increasing patient demand as contributing factors to the mounting stress that is impacting frontline primary care clinicians.
The administrative burden on primary care is staggering. Technology can help—if we get it right
Sean Hogan, for the PCC
This column from PCC Board Chair Sean Hogan examines the growing administrative demands placed on primary care physicians and the impact those burdens have on patient care and clinician burnout. It argues that thoughtfully implemented technology solutions could streamline workflows, reduce documentation strain and allow clinicians to focus more fully on patients.
AAFP launches Primary Care Innovation Network and advisory committee to guide AI in frontlines of care
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
AAFP announced a new initiative focused on guiding the responsible use of artificial intelligence in frontline care settings. The effort aims to ensure AI tools support primary care clinicians without increasing burden or disrupting patient relationships.
3 fixes for primary care access in the ChatGPT era
Payam Zamani, KevinMD.com
This piece explores how technology and changing patient expectations are reshaping primary care access. The author proposes solutions including digital tools, workflow redesign and new care delivery models to help practices meet growing demand.
This compilation was created with support from an AI tool.
State governments continue to explore different approaches to increasing the percentage of overall healthcare spending that goes to primary care, while also trying to decrease overall spending. The Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB), the policy-making oversight body for the Oregon Health Authority, is launching a Primary Care Strategy Committee to lead a coordinated effort to stabilize, strengthen, and align Oregon’s primary care system.
[…]
Health care providers in Oregon and across the country are worried about a new practice by commercial insurance companies of using artificial intelligence to reclassify and “downcode” billing codes, leading to lower payments.
They say AI downcoding is done systematically and that insurers do not have a medical professional check patients’ medical records to confirm that a lower payment rate was appropriate.
[…]
As Delaware’s hospital systems claim a primary care reform bill would spell armageddon for their revenues, a state on the West Coast that implemented similar measures in 2017 said it realized massive savings while hospitals only saw minor reductions in revenue.
A group of influential state lawmakers is pushing Oregon Health Authority leaders to reduce administrative requirements for providers who care for lower-income Oregonians in light of the agency’s decision to cut their payments by about $170 million.
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