Primary Care Isn’t Dying, It’s Evolving
By: Sudeep Bansal, MD and James Uberti, MD
Turn on the news, and you are likely to hear claims that primary care physicians (PCPs) are a “dying breed.” It’s time to set the record straight. The truth is more nuanced, and far more hopeful.
Media thrives on absolutes. Headlines declaring the “death” of primary care grab attention, but they miss the reality: primary care is not disappearing, but rather evolving. What’s changing is the way it is practiced.
There is no denying physician burnout is real. Surveys suggest up to half of practicing physicians show signs of professional fatigue. Factors include a payment system that prioritizes procedures over cognitive care, consolidation that limits autonomy, and electronic medical records that too often take attention away from patients. For many young clinicians, watching these pressures pushes them toward pursuing careers in other specialties, leaving a thinner pipeline for primary care.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. At the center is a return to the patient-physician relationship. To make this possible, the business model must evolve so physicians have the time and support they need to listen, connect, and care.
Interestingly, burnout is not highest in small practices. A 2018 study found that physicians in smaller, independent offices experience dramatically less burnout compared with those in private equity–backed groups or large hospital systems. The difference? Time and autonomy. When PCPs control their schedules, decisions, and practice culture, they can invest more meaningfully in their patients. This autonomy rekindles professional satisfaction and restores a sense of purpose.
Patients benefit, too. When they feel heard and unrushed, trust grows and a true partnership can form. As Sir William Osler famously said, “Listen to your patient. He’s telling you his diagnosis.”
Strong infrastructure is key to sustaining primary care. Organizations like SoNE HEALTH help preserve physician autonomy by providing tools such as population health management, preventive care incentives, contract negotiation support, and practice administration services. These resources free up time, allowing physicians to focus on what matters most – patient care and building a strong, trusting relationship.
Primary care is at a crossroads. Change brings challenges, but it also sparks innovation. Artificial intelligence, for example, holds promise in reducing administrative burdens like documentation and chart review, giving physicians more time for meaningful patient interactions.
Yes, the obstacles are real. But the future of primary care is far from bleak. Across the country, models are emerging that restore time with patients, protect physician independence, and deploy technology that lightens rather than adds to the workload. Despite the headwinds, the flame of primary care still burns—and with the right support, it can shine even brighter.
Learn more about the primary care and how it is evolving, listen to the accompanying podcast.