Independent primary care physicians and practices have been the foundation of the American healthcare system for decades. Moving forward they are as critical to the health of our system as ever, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they continue to thrive and are in a position to do the best work for their patients.
As the cornerstone of our healthcare system, primary care physicians play a pivotal role in managing the entire scope of care for patients of all ages and backgrounds. Primary care doctors, in conjunction with their care teams, offer a spectrum of medical services, ranging from routine check-ups and preventive care to chronic disease management and post-acute support. What sets independent primary care groups apart from larger healthcare entities is the unwavering commitment to patient welfare and outcomes over achievement of financial gains. This patient-first philosophy creates the ideal environment for fostering enduring trust-based doctor-patient relationships, which are the foundation of high-quality, cost-effective healthcare.
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Nearly 90% of patients express a clear preference for visiting their primary care physicians when it comes to routine and preventive healthcare services. The autonomy that comes standard with independent primary care practices allows them to adapt and tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each patient. This personalized approach routinely leads to better health outcomes, as doctors gain a deeper understanding of their patients’ medical histories, lifestyles, and overall wellness that can be used to create targeted care plans to be carried over into future visits. Patients under the care of independent primary care practices consistently report a greater sense of trust, and more than half say the quality of care is higher.
The influence of independent primary care extends far beyond individual patients, often impacting the communities these providers serve. Independent practices possess the unique capability to customize services according to the specific health needs of their local populations – uniquely targeting the social determinants of health (SDoH) that impact their community most. For example, providers in food deserts may provide necessary nutrition support while those in more urban settings may focus on transportation access for patients to access necessary follow-up appointments.
The personal relationships nurtured with community organizations, public health agencies, and social service providers allow these practices to act as a community cornerstone just as local law enforcement and government do. By effectively coordinating care and collaborating with these entities, independent primary care serves as a linchpin in addressing healthcare disparities and bolstering support for vulnerable populations.
While the benefits of maintaining an independent primary care practice are many and obvious, there are roadblocks that make maintaining clinical independence difficult. Administrative burdens, financial efforts, IT issues, and the lack of consistent operational support can force clinicians to take valuable time away from patient care in order to keep the practice afloat.
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Partnering with a primary care-focused medical group can allow independent primary care practitioners to maintain their independence while gaining access to resources and support systems that enable them to focus more exclusively on patient care. These partnerships can help minimize the administrative burdens that often weigh down independent practices, allowing doctors to concentrate on delivering the highest standard of care. Additionally, these medical groups can provide avenues for continued education, quality improvement initiatives, and technological advancements that further enhance the delivery of comprehensive care.
While the march of technology and medical advancements continue to transform healthcare, the enduring human relationship between patient and provider at the heart of independent primary care remains irreplaceable. The future of American healthcare hinges on the continued support and elevation of independent primary care—a cornerstone that not only enhances healthcare quality and cost controls but also ensures a healthier and more equitable future for all. Independent primary care is not merely a healthcare option; it’s a fundamental pillar upon which the health and vitality of our communities has rested for decades. Preservation of this resource is a responsibility we all share.
Photo: Flickr user Eva Blue https://www.flickr.com/photos/evablue/
Eric Lisle is president, co-founder and CEO at Southeast Primary Care Partners (SPCP), a primary care-focused medical group dedicated to achieving true value-based care everywhere. With a history of executive leadership roles at some of the country’s most influential healthcare organizations, Eric has a finger on the pulse of the industry, and an understanding of what’s needed next. Under his leadership, SPCP has expanded its footprint across the Southeast, growing to 125 providers and nearly 1,000 employees, and ending 2022 with over 300,000 patient visits and a total of 18,000 value-based lives.
Previously, Eric was executive vice president of development at Optum and chief executive officer of PA Health & Wellness (Centene Corporation). Before joining Centene, he held leadership roles at both Highmark Health, and Humana. Eric served his country as a Medical Service Corps Officer in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years.
