Letters to the Editor

June 19, 2008 - Health Care, the Massachusetts Way (New York Times)

To the Editor:

Your report that ''many of the newly insured reported difficulty finding a primary care physician'' rings especially true with the American College of Physicians.

Americans need access to internists and other primary care physicians to manage multiple chronic conditions as baby boomers gray and disease rates for obesity, diabetes and hypertension increase.

Recent studies show that patients with primary care doctors have improved outcomes and lower costs. There are not enough primary care doctors, though, and the problem is getting worse.

The Massachusetts effort shows us why the next president and Congress need to address the crisis in primary care. Expanding coverage, although essential, won't guarantee access if there aren't enough primary care doctors to take care of the newly insured.

There needs to be a plan to expand coverage, eliminate debt for physicians who choose primary care and establish physician payment methods that recognize the importance of primary care.

Jeffrey P. Harris
President
American College of Physicians

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