Dr. Chris Hakim resides in a not-too-distant era where he practices modern medicine without the constraints imposed by contemporary healthcare trends. Unlike many physicians, he has the freedom to spend ample time with his patients, prioritizing their care above all else. In his 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Hakim has come to understand that the key to exceptional care lies in the trust and bond formed between provider and patient. However, he has witnessed a significant acceleration in the forces driving change in recent years, particularly in how patients access and receive care. This has been especially challenging for older patients who find themselves navigating a complex and unfamiliar terrain. The rise of administration in healthcare has burdened physicians and prompted private practices to align with larger systems that can handle the increasing IT demands and the intricacies of government- and industry-sponsored plans, allowing physicians to focus more on patient health.
A study conducted by Harvard Medical School Researchers in 2019 revealed that millions of Americans no longer have a primary care provider. This can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a wave of retirements among physicians and a shortage of new doctors to fill their positions. As a result, the healthcare industry relies heavily on other providers with less formal training to bridge the gap. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants, known by various names such as physician extenders or advanced practice providers, step in to provide compassionate care to patients in need. However, due to the shortage of primary care physicians, most Americans have less face-to-face time with their doctors.
Dr. Steve Pearman, Vice President of Medical Operations for Sentara Medical Group, acknowledges the need for a shift in healthcare practices. Traditional methods are no longer viable for the future. The physician shortage can be attributed to various factors, such as the lack of residencies despite increasing medical school class sizes and the financial incentives favoring specialists over primary care providers. The fee-for-service reimbursement model, in particular, creates tension between access to care, capacity, and payment. Primary care providers often find themselves at a financial disadvantage. To cope, physicians and advanced practice providers are under pressure to see a certain number of patients daily.
Sentara Medical Group aims to strike a balance between volume and quality of care. However, this can result in longer waiting times for patients who need immediate attention. Templates with designated time slots are used to gauge the number of patients a care team must see in a day to cover expenses. Pearman emphasizes the importance of efficiency during patient encounters, ensuring that critical issues are addressed while leaving room for additional communication outside of appointments. Coordination of services also plays a crucial role in delivering different types of care and addressing the diverse needs of patients.
Building trust and maintaining a personal connection between providers and patients is paramount, even as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve. In certain states like California, value-based health contracts tie reimbursements to preventive care effectiveness. However, the fee-for-service model, prevalent in Virginia, still dominates reimbursement structures. Monica Schmude, President of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Virginia, highlights the domino effect that limited access to care can have on patients, emphasizing the need for all individuals to have a relationship with a physician. Incentivizing physicians and providers to work at the top of their capabilities and leveraging digital platforms can help bridge access gaps. However, Schmude acknowledges that technology alone is not a comprehensive solution. Insurers like Anthem can offer additional programs and support in the community to alleviate the strain on providers’ time and resources.
In conclusion, the healthcare industry is experiencing a significant transformation, with patients facing changes in access and care due to administrative pressures. Primary care physicians are scarce, leading to an increased reliance on advanced practice providers. Finding a balance between patient volume and quality of care is crucial. Adapting reimbursement models and embracing technology can help address access issues, but it is also essential to foster trust and maintain personal relationships between providers and patients. Insurers can play a role in incentivizing efficient practices and offering community-based programs to support both patients and providers.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
