Uncomfortable Truths — What Covid-19 Has Revealed about Chronic-Disease Care in America

This perspective article critiques the U.S. chronic-disease care system through lessons revealed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The author argues that the system prioritizes procedures and short-term profits over longitudinal primary care, patient relationships, and health equity. Drawing on pandemic-era changes such as expanded telehealth reimbursement and scope of practice the piece proposes redesigning payment models to support holistic, team-based care that integrates remote and community-based services. Emphasis is placed on addressing social determinants of health, expanding nonphysician roles, and centering equity and patient experience. The author calls for intentional structural reforms, noting that longstanding inequities in chronic-disease management persist unless actively dismantled.

This perspective article critiques the U.S. chronic-disease care system through lessons revealed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The author argues that the system prioritizes procedures and short-term profits over longitudinal primary care, patient relationships, and health equity. Drawing on pandemic-era changes such as expanded telehealth reimbursement and scope of practice the piece proposes redesigning payment models to support holistic, team-based care that integrates remote and community-based services. Emphasis is placed on addressing social determinants of health, expanding nonphysician roles, and centering equity and patient experience. The author calls for intentional structural reforms, noting that longstanding inequities in chronic-disease management persist unless actively dismantled.