In previous blog posts I detailed the current state of primary care in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In those two states, the demand for primary care physicians is surpassing supply, leading to worry amongst government regulators and healthcare professionals. In New York, the demand isn't projected to be quite as high but the effects on consumers remains the same. 

Currently, the demand for primary care physicians in New York is lower than the demand in the Northeast and lower than the demand in the U.S. overall. 

New York, to maintain the status quo, will require an additional 1,220 primary care physicians by 2030, which is an 8% increase of the state’s current 14,858 practicing primary care physician workforce.

Pressures from a growing, aging, increasingly insured population call on New York to address the growing demand for primary care physicians to adequately meet health care needs. 

The graph below shows the increased demand for primary care physicians by 2030 due to three factors: an aging population, a growing population, and the pressures felt from an increasing number of insured Americans due to the Affordable Care Act. 

By 2020, with the number of older and insured Americans increasing, there will be a demand for 886 additional primary care physicians in New York. Over the next 10 years, the number will increase nearly 50%, creating a demand for an additional 1,220 primary care physicians. 

Why is the demand for primary care physicians outpacing supply? Find out here. 

The Solution

To solve this primary care crisis in the United States, doctors and patients are switching to an alternative model that completely eliminates insurance and therefore, all of the problems associated with the traditional primary care payment model. This new model is called direct primary care. 

Direct Primary Care

In this alternative model, patients pay their doctor directly, rather than through their insurance company. This means that patients pay a pre-defined monthly fee directly to their doctor instead of paying insurance premiums and co-pays. Basically, direct primary care cuts out the middle man and ultimately saves patients money. The cost of care is reduced to the point where the average American can once again afford to see a physician on a regular basis. Insurance isn’t necessary within this relationship because the care is affordable. Actually, keeping insurance out is what makes this relationship functional and affordable.

Is Direct Primary Care Right For You?

For those interested, the doctors at Total Access Medical will meet with you for free to discuss more about direct primary care and it’s many benefits.