For the preservation of American lives, do not rely on cardiologists, oncologists, or the dramatic emergency room medical professionals portrayed on television. Primary care practitioners are the ones who hold the greatest potential in reversing the alarming decrease in U.S. life expectancy.
According to specialists who examine the divided healthcare system in America, this is the determination they have come to.
According to a study conducted in 2019 and published in JAMA Internal Medicine, an increase of 10 primary-care physicians per 100,000 individuals in the U.S. population was linked to a 51.5-day rise in life expectancy.
The Key to a Longer Life in Portugal
In the present day, we explore potential lessons that the United States, a country where life expectancy is decreasing, could glean from Portugal, a nation where people have a longer lifespan despite having fewer resources.
According to a study conducted over several years, health-system specialists have long urged for increased funding in community-based services that are comprehensive and easily accessible. Countries such as Chile, Costa Rica, and Portugal, with less resources, have been able to achieve success in survival rates, while the United States continues to struggle. This has led to growing frustration among experts.
If patients do not have access to primary care, small concerns can develop into persistent health conditions that require extensive and ongoing treatment. Resolving basic patient issues in the emergency room can cost up to 12 times more than it would in a primary care setting, resulting in billions of extra expenditure annually.
As more and more data suggest that having access to primary care has a positive impact on overall health, decreases disparities in health, and helps save money in the healthcare industry, there is a decline in the number of medical students pursuing this field. Traditional small-group medical practices are being replaced by concierge offices that require high annual fees.
The Department of Health and Human Services has declared a commitment to enhancing primary care for all citizens and has been requesting feedback from healthcare professionals, unpaid caretakers, developers of health technology, and others to determine the government’s role. In September, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced a bipartisan bill worth $26 billion to expand primary care and address staffing shortages.
At the moment, the primary care sector is experiencing significant disruption as investors are looking to merge the traditionally disjointed industry with pharmacy and specialized care.
Major retailers such as Amazon, CVS, and Walmart are dedicating large sums of money to penetrate the market by offering their well-known online ordering and one-stop shopping services for primary care. Additionally, venture capitalists are quickly investing in value-based care, a framework that compensates healthcare providers for achieving successful results instead of incentivizing them for the treatment they provide when patients become ill.
The future of primary care is uncertain, given all the factors at play.
“Is it possible for America to enhance its health? This is the main inquiry.”
According to the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on researching healthcare, the coronavirus pandemic has worsened the issues already plaguing primary care. However, this decline has been occurring for quite some time. In the United States, the number of primary-care physicians per 100,000 people dropped by 11% from 2005 to 2015. This has led to an increase in the number of specialized hospitalists and pediatricians in subspecialties like neonatology and pediatric cardiology. A recent study published in JAMA has shown that only 9% of third-year internal medicine residents are considering a career in primary care.
With the increasing focus on specialization, the United States has been spending more on healthcare per capita compared to any other country. However, the proportion of these expenditures allocated towards primary health care has been decreasing, dropping from 6.2% in 2013 to 4.6% in 2020. In contrast, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which consists of 38 member nations, devotes a significantly higher percentage of their total healthcare budget towards primary care, with some estimates reaching as high as 14% in 2016.
According to the government’s designation, approximately 100 million individuals residing in the United States are situated in areas that are lacking in primary-care workforce. The greatest shortages are observed in rural regions, resulting in the closure of hospitals.
This results in a decline in the number of individuals practicing family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, and even gynecology and obstetrics, which are typically considered as primary care specialties.
Although urgent-care centers may effectively treat conditions such as sprained ankles or the flu, they lack the ability to function as disease detectives. They are unable to recognize subtle symptoms in a familiar patient that could differentiate between a simple upset stomach and a potentially serious condition like diverticulitis. Recent studies have demonstrated that the continuous care provided by a family physician can significantly reduce the risk of early mortality. This aspect of primary care, often referred to as continuity, has been shown to decrease early mortality rates by 25-30%, as revealed by a study conducted by Sandvik et al.
The American population has always opposed limitations on their ability to choose their healthcare provider. They prefer to personally seek specialized treatment rather than relying on a primary care provider. This belief in the power of the market has led to the dominance of the fee-for-service system, in which doctors are rewarded for conducting medical procedures on sick individuals rather than focusing on prevention.
The government is inherently lagging behind. This presents a significant obstacle, especially when it comes to the well-being of American citizens.
What should individuals do in case of a mental health crisis or emergency?
In case of a mental health crisis or emergency, it is crucial for individuals to reach out for support and assistance. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, facing a drug or alcohol-related crisis, or are concerned about a loved one’s mental health, timely intervention is necessary. Seeking help from dedicated hotlines such as Maryland’s Crisis Hotline at +1-800-422-0009 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) can provide immediate support and guidance. In the case of medical emergencies related to mental health issues, contact emergency services by dialing 911 to ensure prompt and appropriate care. Remember that reaching out for help during a mental health crisis is a sign of strength and can lead to effective intervention and support.
How does the organization aim to provide compassionate and culturally competent services?
The organization aims to provide compassionate and culturally competent services by being committed to the wellness of individuals and their families and the community through prevention, therapeutic care, treatment, and education. They also strive to follow the direction of the community to ensure that they offer compassionate, culturally competent, holistic, respectful, and sincere services with each step taken alongside their clients.
What is mdicare.com commitment to their clients?
Maryland Urgent Care , Inc. is dedicated to supporting individuals in leading healthier and more meaningful lives despite their mental health challenges. Recognizing the importance of personalized care, they offer tailored programs to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring quality clinical outcomes. Over time, their track record reflects a consistent ability to make a genuine and positive impact on the lives of those who utilize their services.
