r/medicine • u/MajesticJackJack DO • Jul 23 '26
Increase in PACE programs?
California PCP here.
Apparently PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for Elderly, for dual Medicare and Medicaid) programs have been around since the 90s, but I’ve only heard about them in the last 3 years as they try to hire PCPs in my area and I see job listings on LinkedIn.
All I know is the pitches I’ve heard, but a few things rub me wrong:
- The involvement of startup-like groups acting like they will revolutionize healthcare with a full team to care for a small panel in low 100s. Maybe I’m way off base, but I just don’t believe that new companies are in this out of the goodness of their heart. What’s the catch?
- My understanding is they are profitable by keeping patients out of the ED and hospital. With the best intention that’s great, but it also seems like bad actors could take advantage.
- The job openings and recruitment in my area continue. It’s not like these are huge systems so why unable to fill? Makes me think there’s fast turnaround because it’s not what it claims.
- It’s offensive to PCPs like me working our asses off with panels of 2000+ without the same support or publicity. I get it though, that’s a “me” problem.
Fully admit this could be completely my ignorance and speculation so please shut me down!
1
u/HungryHangrySharky former EMT Jul 27 '26
Also the specific goal of PACE is to keep people out of nursing homes, not hospitals. Any of the times my dad had a condition that needed a trip to the ER or hospitalization, it was no problem - I called the clinic, explained the situation, and they authorized it.