Fixing the Primary Care Crisis (Paperback)

In this deeply researched yet controversial book, Stephen C. Schimpff, MD explains why our healthcare delivery system serves us so poorly and costs so much, and why government and insurer policy has not only failed to improve care delivery but has actually made it worse. Primary care physicians have been forced into a non-sustainable business model that drives them to schedule an unreasonable number of patient visits per day. Too many visits means not enough time per patient, forcing those physicians to instead refer a patient to a specialist, order a test, or write a prescription when more time would have resulted in better care at much less cost.

"An outstanding treatise describing how misdirected attempts to save money have underfunded primary care resulting in lower quality healthcare, an increasing shortage of primary care physicians, and an increase in the cost of healthcare..."
—Robert J Alpern, MD Ensign Professor of Medicine and Dean, Yale School of Medicine p>“With nearly 3000 employees, the health of our company depends on a healthy workforce... Fixing the Primary Care Crisis brings attention to an issue that will resonate with businesses of every size, in any market.”
—Bahman Atefi, ScD, CEO, Alion Science and Technology

“Dr. Schimpff eloquently illustrates one of the principle lessons we teach our medical students throughout their training: relationship matters. He rightly asks how the doctor-patient relationship has suffered in today’s medical/commerce environment. Dr. Schimpff’s powerful patient vignettes and wide ranging interviews provide thought provoking concerns for physicians, patients and those of us whose mission is to train the next generation of healthcare providers.”
—Robert A. Barish, MD MBA, Chancellor, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport

“An outstanding work by an extraordinary writer... The crisis is real and imminent and we would all be served in heeding Steve’s advice.”
—Stephen Burch, Chairman of the Board, University of Maryland Medical System, former president, Atlantic Division, Comcast Inc. and retired CEO, Virgin Media UK

“Dr. Schimpff presents a thoughtful and insightful discussion of contemporary primary care medicine. Patients and doctors will understand his clear exposition very useful.”
—William L. Henrich, MD, MACP, President and Professor of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas

"As a highly esteemed physician, academic leader, health system executive, and national thought leader on clinical issues, Dr. Schimpff paints a picture of an industry that is experiencing real change due to an overwhelming convergence of interests, incentives and macro-environmental forces disrupting primary care. At a time when patient-centered care is a growing, talked-about movement, he eloquently defines the problem and offers intelligent, actionable solutions..."
—Don McDaniel, President and CEO, Sage Growth Partners

“A must-read for all health professionals and policy makers in addition to patients and doctors. Dr. Schimpff doesn’t just lay out the problems with our health care system. His experience and research cite both provider, payer and consumer steps which must be taken to make the United States healthcare system affordable and of higher quality.”
—Michael R. Merson, MBA, retired president of MedStar Health, former CEO, Helix Health System and former board chair, Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield, Inc.

“Dr. Schimpff makes an urgent case for a transformed healthcare system based on proactive primary care, wellness programs, early treatment of chronic conditions, and plenty of time for physician/patient visits. We’ve seen the results with our QuadMed primary care model: a healthier, more productive workforce and greater control over total health care costs. This book offers powerful solutions for every employer.” —Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President & CEO, Quad/Graphics