Invited Commentary

Commentary on “Primary Care Physician Shortage, Healthcare Reform, and Convenient Care: Challenge Meets Opportunity?”

Authors: G. Richard Holt, MD, MSE, MPH, MABE

Abstract

In this issue of Southern Medical Journal, Dr Amir Kaissi addresses a fundamental concern of healthcare providers and patients—the projected shortage of physicians to care for the millions of newly insured patients who will enter the traditional access modes for health care in the United States under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).1 Kaissi proposes that alternative models of healthcare delivery, likely using nonphysician providers, may become the foci of clinical practices and institutional restructuring to respond to the shortfall. These models may include retail clinics, urgent care centers, house calls, and web-based services.1 These entities are already being seen in many cities, but not in rural areas, save for house calls, which has been a feature of rural health care for several centuries.

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References

1. Kaissi A. Primary care physician shortage, healthcare reform, and convenient care: challenge meets opportunity? South Med J 2012; 105: 576–580.
 
2. American Association of Medical Colleges. The impact of health care reform on the future supply and demand for physicians: updated projections through 2005. https://www.aamc.org/download/158076/data/updated_projections_through_2025.pdf Published June 2010. Accessed August 6, 2012.
 
3. Hofer AN, Abraham JM, Moscovice I. Expansion of coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and primary care utilization. Milbank Q 2011; 89: 69–89.