Michigan can ease doctor shortage by raising pay for primary care, group says

A new report says Michigan should invest in primary care doctors to ease a severe shortage of physicians that has led to long wait times, higher costs and missed care. A 14-point plan released Tuesday by the Michigan State Medical Society, calls for vastly expanding pay and reimbursements. It says only about 5% of medical spending goes to primary care. The group wants that closer to 12%. Federal estimates say Michigan lacks at least 464 primary care providers. The report links the gap to lower pay and an aging population. The plan also backs loan help, support with accounting and billing services, and incentives for underserved areas.