The scope of care expected of primary care physicians: is it greater than it should be?

The United States has long relied on specialist physicians more heavily than other countries, and some policy experts have repeatedly recommended that the share and role of primary care physicians (PCPs) be increased as a way of providing cost-effective care. The growth of managed care, changing practice arrangements and new medical technology are forces that may be increasing the role of PCPs. This Issue Brief reports findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing that many physicians believe the scope of care provided by PCPs without referral to specialists is increasing. Moreover, almost a quarter of PCPs report that the scope of care they are expected to provide is greater than it should be. The likelihood of PCPs' concern is related to specific managed care techniques, practice size and specialty, among other factors.