This article is encouraging in that in validates what I have often talked about when it comes to the need primary care doctors doing a better job of being accessible to THEIR patients; if they don’t someone else will fill the need. Patients definitely like the convenience of Retail clinics and Urgent care, thus their success and subsequent growth. However, when given a choice, patients would much rather see their own doctor when acute issues or questions come up.
Private practice primary care, especially DPC, is in a unique position to be able to offer more accessible, immediate care. The employed doctors in healthcare systems and those still using the claims-based revenue cycle will find it hard to make this transition quick enough to meet demand. If we do this right, the need for retail clinics and UC will diminish.
Frankly, the existence of physician directed primary care depends on it. Good primary care has to include immediate care.
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