Easing the Shortage in Adult Primary Care — Is It All about Money?

Abstract

As Americans debate health care reform, it is easy to forget that success may depend as much on the availability of primary care physicians for adults as on the specifics of the reforms themselves. Access to health insurance does not ensure access to timely medical care, particularly in places where doctors are in short supply, are not accepting new patients, or are not accepting patients with some types of insurance. Effective primary care can improve the quality of care and health outcomes and save money. But to the extent that easing the shortage of primary care physicians will require additional funds, the initial costs of reform will increase.