Primary Care in the New Health Economy

An in-depth analysis by PwC’s Health Research Institute (HRI) suggests forecasts of looming physician shortages—perhaps 90,000 by 2025—are based on outdated care delivery models. In the New Health Economy, with the emphasis on giving purchasers greater value for their healthcare dollar, do-it-yourself consumers and integrated care teams armed with a black bag of virtual tools are poised to reinvent primary care and close the gap.

An impersonal, splintered healthcare system confounds consumers and costs more and more each year. Overall, the nation spends $3.2 trillion on medical care with mixed results. By 2020, 81 million Americans are expected to suffer from multiple chronic health conditions, further taxing the system. Revving up the role of primary care—with digital technology, a focus on prevention and expanded roles for non-physicians—offers a cost-effective remedy.