Health Affairs analysis calls for Medicare payment reform to better value primary care

In 2025, it’s harder than ever to access primary care in the United States, with patients now waiting an average of 31 days for an appointment — a 50% increase over the past two decades.

A new Health Affairs Forefront article points to income disparities as a key factor in this trend. Specialists earn about $394,000 annually, while primary care physicians average $277,000. The authors argue that this gap disincentivizes new physicians from choosing primary care, worsening shortages and straining patient access.

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