TRENDS
Primary Care Takes Center Stage Primary care physicians are the key to providing value-based care and population health.
As we transition to a world of risk/value-based healthcare and overall population health, the role of the
primary care physician needs to take center stage. The role of the primary care physician should not be subservient to all the other specialties. In fact, the role of the primary care physician should be more like the conductor of the orchestra. Conductors need not know how to play each instrument, but they know enough to bring them all together to make beautiful music. Likewise, the primary care physician can help orchestrate the care from the other providers to bring forth a better health status for the patient.
Also, just like the conductor, the primary care physician needs to have a holistic approach in that they are responsible for the entire ensemble or the overall health of the patient. The important role of the primary care physician: ʯ The primary care physician can and should be a trusted patient advisor and advocate. Sadly, not all primary care physicians play the role as patient advisor and advocate. In some cases, the 36
April 2022
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www.repertoiremag.com
By Tom Campanella
primary care physician acts as more of an entry point for the patient to receive access to specialists and subspecialists. As a non-clinician, while I may not be an expert, I do know that I am made up of more than organs and body parts. I need a physician advocate who can look at me
