
With <5% of health spending going to primary care, gaps in access may worsen hospital use, burnout, and chronic disease outcomes.

Morgan McDonald, MD, is a primary care physician and Director of Population Health at the Milbank Memorial Fund.

With <5% of health spending going to primary care, gaps in access may worsen hospital use, burnout, and chronic disease outcomes.

New 2026 data link a usual source of primary care to 20% fewer hospitalizations and 54% lower total costs in adults with chronic disease.