"MacDonald wanted to find a new doctor right away. She needed refills for her blood pressure medications, and wanted to book a follow-up appointment after a breast cancer scare. This story was produced in partnership with KFF Health News. She called 10 primary care practices near her home in Westwood, Massachusetts. None of the doctors, nurse practitioners or physician assistants were taking new patients."
"The shortage of primary care providers is a national problem, but it's particularly acute in Massachusetts. The state's primary care workforce is shrinking faster than in most other states, according to a recent report. Some health networks, including the state's largest hospital chain, Mass General Brigham, are turning to artificial intelligence for solutions. In September Mass General Brigham launched Care Connect."
Tammy MacDonald lost her doctor and joined roughly 17% of U.S. adults without a primary care physician. She called ten nearby primary care practices but found none were taking new patients; some offices estimated wait times of a year and a half to two years. The primary care workforce in Massachusetts is shrinking faster than most states, prompting some health networks to adopt artificial intelligence solutions. In September Mass General Brigham launched Care Connect, an AI-supported program. MacDonald used the app, spent about ten minutes chatting with an AI agent, and received a summary that allowed a primary care doctor to see her by video within a day or two.
Read at www.npr.org
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