Download the Full Two-Part Health Affairs Report Below
In the U.S., primary care is supposed to be the front door to the healthcare system—but that door is broken.
In their powerful two-part Health Affairs series, Drs. Andy Lazris and Alan Roth, co-authors of A Return to Healing, along with health policy expert Shannon Brownlee, reveal the systemic failures and urgent solutions surrounding America’s neglected primary care system.
Part 1: Diagnosing the Problem
The first installment, No More Lip Service: It’s Time We Fixed Primary Care (Part One), paints a sobering picture:
Only 20% of U.S. medical students pursue primary care.
Many existing primary care providers face burnout, low pay, and overwhelming workloads.
The U.S. spends far less on primary care than peer nations, despite its proven impact on outcomes and cost.
They explore the causes of this decline—from medical school training imbalances to fee-for-service payment models that undervalue cognitive, relational care. This section lays the foundation for understanding why restoring primary care is key to fixing our entire healthcare system.
Part Two: Solutions That Work
✅ Direct Primary Care (DPC)
A payment model where physicians receive a flat monthly fee per patient, giving them time, autonomy, and the ability to provide comprehensive, relationship-based care.
✅ Primary Care Trusts
A public model—similar to systems used in the UK—that would fund and support universal access to primary care through state-based financing structures, significantly reducing administrative costs and improving equity.
Both approaches aim to reduce burnout, improve outcomes, and return control to frontline care teams.
Why This Matters to You
If you’re a patient, a healthcare professional, or a policymaker, this two-part article is essential reading. It speaks to the same core issues explored in A Return to Healing—how a data-driven, corporatized system has left patients underserved and clinicians demoralized.
Most importantly, it reminds us that we already know how to fix it. What’s missing is the will to act.
Continue the Conversation
The opioid debate is just one part of the larger conversation on healthcare reform. Stay engaged and explore solutions for a more patient-centered healthcare system:
📖 Preorder A Return to Healing – Discover the deeper issues within modern medicine.
🎙 Listen to the Podcast – Hear expert discussions on patient advocacy and reform.
📺 Watch on YouTube – Get in-depth analysis and interviews with medical experts.
Join the movement to rethink modern medicine!
