Can Primary Care Scale Any Further?
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By
February 2, 2026
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10 min
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1
Primary care shortage affects 17% of adults in the U.S.
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2
Mass General Brigham launched Care Connect for telehealth.
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3
AI can facilitate urgent care but raises concerns about patient relationships.
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4
Many primary care physicians face burnout due to low pay and high workloads.
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5
Care Connect offers 24/7 access but may not replace in-person visits.
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6
Critics fear that AI may overlook important patient details.
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7
Expansion of AI tools is seen as both a solution and a potential 'band-aid' for systemic issues.
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Tammy MacDonald, facing a sudden loss of her primary care physician, discovered the challenges of finding new healthcare in Massachusetts, where a significant shortage of primary care providers exists. After contacting multiple practices without success, she turned to Care Connect, an AI-supported telehealth service launched by Mass General Brigham, which connects patients to physicians for urgent care. While this innovative solution offers convenience, it also raises concerns among doctors about the potential erosion of traditional primary care relationships and the implications of AI in healthcare.
-
1
Primary care shortage affects 17% of adults in the U.S.
-
2
Mass General Brigham launched Care Connect for telehealth.
-
3
AI can facilitate urgent care but raises concerns about patient relationships.
-
4
Many primary care physicians face burnout due to low pay and high workloads.
-
5
Care Connect offers 24/7 access but may not replace in-person visits.
-
6
Critics fear that AI may overlook important patient details.
-
7
Expansion of AI tools is seen as both a solution and a potential 'band-aid' for systemic issues.
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