Medical Economics January 25, 2022
This trend presents an enormous challenge for traditional practices.
Not too long ago, the idea of seeking healthcare meant choosing from a rather short list: a visit to a primary care physician, a referral to a specialist, or a trip to the ER. Over the last decade, consumer options have dramatically expanded. Urgent care facilities and retail clinics provide access to care in locations ranging from strip malls to convenience stores. Ambulatory surgical centers provide an appealing alternative to a hospital stay. In-home care, remote monitoring, and — as we’ve seen in the past two years — telehealth eliminate the need for frequent trips to “the doctor’s office” in some cases. In short, there is no shortage of supply, and...