Comprehensiveness-the Need to Resurrect a Sagging Pillar of Primary Care.

There is a critical importance of comprehensive primary care, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors argue that comprehensiveness – the ability of primary care clinicians to meet the majority of patients’ physical and mental health needs – is a crucial yet declining feature of primary care in the United States. They highlight the benefits of comprehensive care, including reduced hospitalizations, lower costs, and greater health equity. The article identifies barriers to comprehensiveness, such as fee-for-service payment models and inadequate training environments. The authors call for reforms in clinician training, practice organization, and payment models to revitalize comprehensive primary care, which they deem essential for addressing health inequities and improving overall healthcare delivery.