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New bill aims to save primary care

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, June 9, 2009

Congress addressed the national shortage of primary care providers (PCP) with a new bill, Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 (H.R. 2350), introduced last month by U.S. Rep Allyson Schwartz (D-PA). Offering education incentives and Medicare-related provisions, the bill aims to reform primary care, according to a May 20 press release from Schwartz’s office.

Currently, only 2% of fourth-year medical students plan to pursue primary care internal medicine, leading to a shortage of 45,000 PCPs, according to the American College of Physicians (ACP), an endorser of the bill.

Among other initiatives, the bill would offer new scholarships, grants, and loan repayment programs for primary care services, as well as create new residency positions for primary care and general surgery trainees.

In addition, the bill would adjust Medicare payments by increasing reimbursements for primary care providers and establishing reimbursements for care coordination and patient-centered medical homes. For patients, the bill would eliminate copayments for seniors with Medicare.

“As we move toward creating a uniquely American solution in which all Americans have access to affordable, meaningful health coverage, it becomes clear that successful health care reform must include primary care reform,” said U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz in the press release.

At the time of publication, more than 100 congressional members signed the bill as cosponsors.

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