Many primary care physicians consider leaving practice
December 20, 2024
Summary: Primary care shortage is likely to get worse
Source: Horstman, Commonwealth Fund December 6, 2024
Primary care is in crisis in the United States. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) estimates that there will be a shortage of over 87,000 primary care physician full time equivalents by 2037, and fewer medical students are choosing to go into general internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics. There are more nurse practitioners and physician assistants/associates completing training, although some are choosing to go into specialty practices.
The Commonwealth Fund surveyed primary care physicians and found that 45% of U.S. physicians reported feeling “burned out.” This was more common in physicians under age 55 (50%) than in those 55 and older (39%). Nearly half of practicing physicians are over age 55. Few physicians sought professional attention for their mental health needs. Over one-third (39%) of those who reported feeling burned out said they had plans to stop seeing patients. The survey was initially conducted in 2022, and additional analyses were published this month.
Implications for employers:
- Although research shows that better access to primary care improves the quality of health care, access to primary care will be a challenge in coming years.
- It’s likely that primary care services will increasingly be provided by PAs and NPs, with physicians playing a smaller role.
- Health plan designs that require primary care physicians might have difficulty obtaining adequate physician panels.
- Virtual care can help primary care clinicians support a larger patient panel, which could alleviate the potential shortage.
- Employers should encourage carriers to limit ‘nuisance’ prior authorization and other hassles for primary care clinicians.