Primary Care

I am personally a huge advocate for primary care. I undertand that forcing patients toward gate-keeper may elongate their care a little, i think that it is vital for primary care physicians to be aware of what is going on with their patients. Forcing patients to visit PCPs will also foster a relationship between doctor and patient, which can also lead to positive health outcomes. This relationship can foster more communication of preventive measures. I feel that the only way for patients to truly understand their care and health needs, a relationship with a PCP is a must.

I also understand the need for hospital services, but think then the ER should act as a gatekeeper. I think that if a patient comes into the ER with an urgent problem, they should be sent to a specialist from there. I dont think patients should waste their time trying to contact their PCP, when in the end they may be shuttled over to the ER anyway.

This then leads to the discussion of the supply of PCPs. It is not right that we keep depleting countries of their physicians to supplement our 31% of PCPs. We need to re-evaluate our med school admission process. Most students rejected from US med school turn to foreign school and then return to practice in the states. If they are good enough to be doctors then why did they get rejected in the first place. Perhaps schools can offer alternative programs for PCP, so students would get admitted only if they were looking to practice primary care.