How does primary care fit into your overall strategy? 

Twenty years ago, hospitals and health networks viewed primary care economically, as a source of referrals. In an effort to provide “networks” for third-party payers, some hospitals purchased primary practices; others hired primary care physicians directly. Because the economies of scale that serve large institutions were a poor fit with the realities of primary practice, the experiment was expensive and unsatisfying. 

But as the focus in healthcare improvement shifts to outcomes and the health of the community, healthcare organizations must revisit their relationship with primary care. Contemporary healthcare integration means re-imagining the system and optimizing clinical practices in every patient encounter, whether it takes place in the hospital, in a clinic, or in a physician’s office. 

The role of primary care providers has undergone significant change over the past decade. There is an acute shortage of primary care providers in many areas and regions. At the same time, there is much evidence highlighting the continued importance of primary care to meeting the healthcare needs of the population. We assist physician organizations and hospitals in developing and implementing strategies that strengthen primary care by improving the numbers of primary care providers, patient access and the scope of primary care services.