Federal Support Strengthens Primary Care Practices and Outcomes

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2840801 A systematic review in JAMA Health Forum, written collaboratively by AHRQ and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services staff, found that federal investments in primary care resulted in better access to needed services, reduced acute care utilization, and increases in care that physicians and practices rate as high quality. The study examined 142 records from 5 federal programs over the course of 10 years (2011–2021): the Federally Qualified Health Center Advanced Primary Care Practice demonstration, the Multi-Payer Advanced Primary Care Practice model, the Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) initiative, CPC Plus, and AHRQ’s EvidenceNOW Advancing Heart Health. Program implementation led to greater patient engagement, much improved care delivery, modest utilization reductions, and net increases in expenditures. Researchers also found that barriers to program implementation included funding limitations, difficulties with electronic health records and payer data, and practice staff turnover. Access the study for more details.