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The Shift in US Healthcare: Embracing Primary Care and AI

In the ever-evolving landscape of the US healthcare system, primary care is emerging as a central focus for health systems, highlighting a strategic shift toward value-based and population-centered care. According to Bain & Company's recent findings, this transformation denotes not only a redefinition of primary care's role but also an ambitious plan among executives to expand their primary care practices significantly over the next several years.

Historically characterized as a referral hub, primary care is now recognized for its potential in managing clinical quality, enhancing patient experiences, and controlling costs. About 77% of health system executives report intentions to broaden their primary care reach by hiring more providers and acquiring additional practices in the next five to seven years. This expansion aligns with the growing recognition that value-focused models, aided by artificial intelligence (AI), represent the future of healthcare delivery.

The Role of AI

AI is set to play a transformational role in mitigating some of the persistent challenges faced by healthcare systems. Bain's research illustrates an anticipated acceleration in AI adoption, particularly in administrative functions that lighten clinician workloads and facilitate new care models. Health systems expect significant increases in the use of AI solutions over the next few years, with e-prescribing projected to rise from 27% to 55%, appointment scheduling from 33% to 63%, and telehealth from 38% to 63%.

Dr. Erin Morrissette, a partner in Bain & Company's Healthcare practice, emphasizes the strategic importance of these shifts. She states, "Health systems are betting on primary care as a cornerstone of strategy, navigating workforce limitations, reimagining care models, and embracing AI to ease clinician burdens will be key drivers of success." While this ambition is evident, uncertainties linger regarding the capacity of health systems to effectively implement these transformative strategies.

The Changing Nature of Primary Care

As the healthcare dynamics shift, the rationale for employing primary care professionals is also undergoing significant changes. Traditionally focused on driving referrals to specialist services, priorities are now pivoting towards managing costs and fulfilling community health commitments. Currently, while a large fraction of health systems still relies heavily on the fee-for-service model, a notable shift toward value-based, population-focused clinics is expected over the next five to seven years.

Despite these advancements, the medical community grapples with urgent labor shortages. Recruitment and retention of physicians are top priorities cited by health system leaders, with concerns over workforce sustainability often cited as a more pressing issue than financial considerations or digital health advancements.

Patient Perspectives on AI

Patients are increasingly adapting to AI integration in their healthcare experiences, though with some reservations. A growing number of patients express comfort with AI functionalities, such as note-taking during consultations and analyzing medical results. For instance, patient comfort with AI listening and documenting has surged from 21% to 60% between 2024 and 2025. Still, skepticism persists, particularly regarding AI's capabilities in making diagnoses, with only 34% expressing comfort in AI diagnosing conditions and just 28% in AI taking on the role of their primary healthcare provider.

In-person visits continue to dominate preferences, with traditional medical settings overwhelmingly preferred for sick and chronic condition visits. Surprisingly, virtual consultations do not garner the same enthusiasm, and AI chatbots rank lowest in net satisfaction scores among the patient demographic.

Conclusion

The rapid evolution of primary care towards a model that leverages AI and digital health technologies signifies a critical juncture for US healthcare. While challenges like workforce shortages and patient apprehensions exist, the consolidation of primary care as a strategic pillar of health systems serves as a promising development. By prioritizing value-based care and integrating AI adeptly, health systems could position themselves for future success and improved patient outcomes. As technology transitions from a supportive tool to a central enabler of care delivery, the focus remains steadfast on enhancing both patient experience and clinical effectiveness in the years to come.