Medscape October 7, 2025
For decades, primary care providers have complained that their work is undervalued, noting that insurance companies pay far less for office visits than for procedures and imaging tests.
In fact, research shows that Medicare — whose rates heavily influence other insurance plans — reimburses physicians 3-5 times more for procedures than for evaluation and management of patients during office visits.
The payment gap has contributed to the national shortage of primary care professionals, as young doctors burdened by medical school debt gravitate to higher-paying specialties.
Through a proposed rule on physician fees for 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has signaled its intent to shift resources toward primary care and away from procedures and tests.
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