A remarkable piece by Mary Pat Whaley on why primary care costs what it costs, on kevinmd.com, including this excerpt:
“I know that patients often say ‘But he only spent 10 minutes with me.’ Checking back with the provider, I find it was typically longer. Patients tend to underestimate the time as it goes very fast.
“The total visit encompassed the work of the phone operator, the medical records clerk, the triage nurse, the check-in person, the nurse, the doctor, the check-out person and the biller. It took 8 people, and at least 45 minutes of work to make that appointment happen. Plus, that visit had to help pay the expenses for the rent, the utilities, malpractice insurance, medical supplies, computers, phones and janitorial services. “
