In the new healthcare environment, primary care is poised for an extreme makeover, and is expected to make a comeback, according to a new report from PwC's Health Research Institute.
"With rising costs and increased demand, primary care practitioners need to rethink their business models to unlock value — and be rewarded for their contributions," Simon Samaha, MD, a principal in PwC's U.S. Health Industries practice, said in a news release. "We're going to see non-traditional players shake up the industry using new technologies and innovative approaches focused on convenience for patients and value for providers."
HRI interviewed 25 executives from industry, trade associations and academia and surveyed 1,500 clinicians and 1,000 consumers on the future of primary care.
Here are four key findings from the report:
1. Purchasers are banking on primary care to save money. For instance, federal officials are pumping billions of dollars into primary care improvements. Employers are igniting change by adding lower cost, more convenient primary care benefit plan options. According to the report, nearly half of employers will make telehealth services available to employees this year.
2. Consumers are selecting primary care that fits their lifestyles. HRI found about eight in 10 consumers would be open to non-traditional ways of getting basic medical attention.
3. New entrants are disrupting the healthcare industry with innovative primary care models. According to HRI, these new entrants offer convenience and value to consumers and purchasers through convenient care, house calls, at-your-service care, digital health and nurse-led care.
4. Some primary care traditionalists are adapting to stay relevant. HRI found about one-third of physicians have altered their business model to adapt to changing models of care. For instance, some have co-located care team offices with lab, imaging, physical therapy and other complementary services, according to the report.
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