How can the current payment system, which values volume over quality patient care, be restructured to make the practice of primary care more professionally satisfying for physicians?
As Congress moves toward an improved comprehensive, coordinated model of health care delivery, we must recognize that the coordination of care across all elements of a complex health care system requires considerable practice expense to primary care physicians, which is not offset in any way by existing payment policies. Congress must develop a payment system in which the value of primary care is recognized through equitable reimbursements for services that are provided outside of the traditional office visit. The physician payment system today places more value on the volume of services than on prevention and the coordination of care that can lead to better outcomes. We strongly support Congressional efforts to adopt a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) delivery model. This model would provide additional reimbursement and potentially reduce administrative burdens for practices that have the infrastructure and capability to provide patient-centered, physician-guided, coordinated, com
