Greater investment in primary care is associated with lower costs, higher patient satisfaction, fewer hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and lower mortality. Despite current high levels of healthcare spending in the United States, the proportion spent on primary care is insufficient. A shift in resources to support greater access to comprehensive, coordinated primary care is imperative to achieving a stronger, higher-performing healthcare system.
Underinvestment in primary care gives rise to patient access and workforce issues. A significant financial incentive for physicians and other clinicians to choose other areas of specialty undermines primary care.
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Date | Source | |
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A Bipartisan Rx for Patient-Centered Care and System-Wide Cost Containment | April 2013 | Bipartisan Policy Center |
2020 Health Care Cost and Utilization Report:Utilization of PCP evaluation and management services is declining | January 2018 | ||
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10 Building Blocks of High-Performing Primary Care | April 2014 | ANNALS OF FAMILY MEDICINE |
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Evaluation of Health Care Homes: 2010-2012:Report to the Minnesota Legislature | January 2014 | Minnesota Department of Health |