Medical Economics Pulse, March 14, 2025: Payment models phasing out, osteopaths in the White House, inescapable EHRs

Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

It’s March 14, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will phase out some primary care payment models earlier than expected. The Comprehensive Primary Care Plus and Primary Care First models were designed to enhance care coordination and improve patient outcomes. However, CMS has cited cost concerns and effectiveness issues as reasons for their premature termination. Physicians who relied on these models for additional financial stability now face uncertainty. This decision raises questions about the future of value-based care and whether alternative models will emerge to replace them. For primary care doctors, this is yet another policy shift that demands adaptation.

Next up, osteopathic physicians have a major role in health care at the White House. President Donald J. Trump and former President Joe Biden selected osteopathic doctors as their personal physicians. This highlights the growing recognition of osteopathic medicine and its holistic approach to patient care at the highest levels of government, according to the American Osteopathic Association. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a whole-person approach, including musculoskeletal manipulation alongside traditional treatments. Having DOs serve in such prominent positions underscores the expanding influence and credibility of osteopathic professionals in the medical community.

Finally, doctors may find their electronic health records (EHRs) to be inescapable. A recent study highlights how physicians often find themselves tethered to their EHR systems, even when they’re supposed to be on paid time off, or vacation. Whether it’s responding to urgent patient messages, checking test results, or handling unexpected documentation needs, many doctors struggle to fully disconnect. This ongoing challenge raises concerns about physician burnout and work-life balance. While some institutions are exploring solutions — such as AI-driven automation or improved delegation — there’s still a long way to go before doctors can truly unplug. For now, many physicians must find creative ways to set boundaries and protect their personal time.

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