3 challenges facing primary care

As primary care practices strive to meet COVID-19 demands, what other challenges do they face? Here’s a look at three of the most common:

1. Physician shortage looms

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of between 46,900 and 121,900 physicians by 2032, including 21,100 to 55,200 in primary care.

Fewer medical school graduates are becoming primary care physicians, the National Resident Matching Program’s 2019 report shows. The program filled a record-low percentage of fourth-year medical students in fields it classifies as primary care. These include internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics.

When there’s a shortage of primary care physicians, practices feel the strain as existing physicians take on heavier workloads.

The primary care shortage aligns with projected growth in the number of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs), as well as an expansion of their role in the delivery of care, according to AAMC.

2. Burnout lingers

Physicians continue to suffer from burnout. About 42% feel burned out, a 2020 Medscape study found.

Burnout was most prevalent in urology, affecting 54% of physicians. Family medicine physicians placed not far behind, with 46% affected by burnout. At the time of the study, it was least common in ophthalmology, at 30%, and in public health and preventive medicine, at 29%.

Family medicine has ranked among the top specialties suffering from the condition over the last five years. Across specialties, increased computerization was a top cause of burnout, with 30% of physicians citing the EHR as a cause, according to the Medscape study. It followed bureaucratic tasks, at 55%; long hours, at 33%; and “lack of respect” from employers, colleagues, and staff, at 32%.

“Practices implementing EHRs should seek products that were designed to not only be customizable, but that are clearly intended to meet physicians’ needs — both now and into the future,” said a practicing rheumatologist.

Since so much of patient care relates to the EHR, it’s important for physicians to have a user-friendly solution designed to complement the way they work.

3. Savvy patients bring high expectations

The average family of four paid $28,386 for healthcare services in 2019, according to the Milliman Medical Index, a 3.8% increase over the year before. As costs tick upward, and high-deductible plans become more commonplace, patients are mindful of costs and their overall experience at your practice.

• Are they seen in a timely manner?
• Are they treated with courtesy and respect?
• Did the physician take the time to speak with them and understand their situation?

When it comes to the cost of your practice’s services, there’s only so much your practice can do. But you can provide a positive experience in the office and offer tools to help patients navigate the system.

Partner with a trusted adviser

Technology continues to offer solutions for primary care practices. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many have turned to telehealth, patient messaging, and other digital health options. Primary care practices must keep pace with the needs of patients and adapt to changing guidelines while maintaining the bottom line. Many have found guidance by working with a trusted adviser and technology partner.