As primary care physicians increasingly transition to concierge medicine, patients like Terri Marroquin of Midland, Texas are being faced with the choice of paying a membership fee or seeking care elsewhere. This trend is driven by a national shortage of primary care physicians and has significant implications for access to care and health outcomes. While concierge care promises more personalized and timely services, it also raises concerns about equity and affordability, particularly for patients with lower incomes. Patients who cannot or will not pay the membership fees may find themselves struggling to find a new primary care provider, leading to potential gaps in care and reliance on more expensive healthcare options.
Source link
Better Access for a Few Patients Disrupts Care for Many
