It is now.
According to this article in Amednews.com, the lack of primary care docs leads to worse health care outcomes and higher costs due in large part to population aging and demands on health services.
Physical Therapists should be heavily engaged in this challenge as the cost-efficient provider for direct access in musculoskeletal conditions as The Best First Choice.
This is not a new concept. We have blogged about it multiple times including here, here, here,.
We have evidence, example (e.g. US Military), and demonstrated cost savings. We also have a new Presidential administration desirous of input on changing the health care system.
If we are not careful, we will lose this opportunity to nurses who are are already moving in a direction we should be aggressively headed.
It will take leadership by multiple parties within our profession. It will take strategy, marketing, lobbying, and collaboration. Do we have what it takes?
It was Gandhi that said, “Be the change, you want to see in the world”.
The best opportunity that we have ever had is occurring during this most trying time in our economy. Can we get it done?
Thoughts?
