What can you do to reverse the trends of primary care?

by Michael Jones

The business of primary care is a serious one and a unique one. Maybe you’ve always known you want to be in healthcare and primary care specifically, or perhaps you’re one of the many who, to use the Napoleon Hill term, “drifted” into your current role. However you got to where you are right now, what you and your practice do to serve your community is critical.

You’ve likely seen one of the many studies around primary care spending and outcomes, in the United States and globally. Many of these reports show that with the ever increasing amount spent on primary care in the United States, there is still a downward trend in performance and outcomes compared to other countries. In fact, this 2021 Commonwealth Fund study shows that the United States, despite spending more than any other country on primary care, ranks last among its peers in the critical areas of access to care, care process, administrative efficiency, equity, and health care outcomes. 

Supply chain shortages, regulation, payer tightening of fee schedules, and overall worker apathy, even among highly skilled and trained clinicians, is running rampant, especially in the “great resignation” era.

With all of this gloom, why do you even keep going?

What’s the point?

Can you, as a single practice especially, even make a difference?

In other words, what can you do to reverse the trends of primary care?

The answer lies in the question itself, and in the opening statement of today’s article. 

The business of primary care is a serious one and a unique one. Maybe you’ve always known you want to be in healthcare and primary care specifically, or perhaps you’re one of the many who, to use the Napoleon Hill term, “drifted” into your current role. However you got to where you are right now, what you and your practice do to serve your community is critical.

The great Herb Brooks, who was the head coach who coached the 1980 USA Olympics team to defeat the undefeatable Soviet hockey team, said this (courtesy of the 2004 movie “Miracle”):

“Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here, tonight, (boys). That's what you've earned here tonight. One game. If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it.”

This is not a platitude; this is your opportunity.

You as a leader in primary care have the greatest opportunity of all time in front of you each and every day. While each day may not be unicorns and rainbows, each day is your chance to live your purpose, and to impact your team to do that with you.

How you reverse the trends of primary care, then, is by viewing each day as a gift, one that you and your team were uniquely created for. 

Today is your opportunity. 

This is your time.

Now go out there and take it.