The health care landscape in Sacramento is facing some tough challenges. With an influx of new residents and an aging population, the demand for health services is rapidly increasing. There’s a notable shortage of physicians, making it hard to keep up with patient needs.
To get insights on these issues, we talked to several health leaders in the region. Here’s what they shared.
Rachael McKinney, President of Sutter Health Greater Sacramento Division
Rachael has been with Sutter Health since 2004. She emphasized the importance of training new doctors to address the workforce shortage. Sutter plans to expand its medical education program significantly by 2030, aiming to train over 200 residents and fellows. Since 2023, they’ve recruited more than 400 new physicians, enhancing access to primary care and reducing wait times for new patients.
On the issue of prescription drug costs, Rachael mentioned Sutter’s efforts to assist patients with financial counseling and prescription discounts, but she acknowledged that high costs remain a significant challenge in the healthcare system.
Dr. Jay Robinson III, Senior VP and Area Manager at Kaiser Permanente
Dr. Robinson highlighted the need for innovative care options. Kaiser is enhancing virtual care services and introducing home-based treatment programs to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. They’re also expanding their facilities, adding more beds, which should help manage patient influx better.
Like Rachael, Dr. Robinson noted that using their size as a large health enterprise helps negotiate better prices for medications, emphasizing the need for affordable and effective treatment options.
Rob Marchuk, President of Dignity Health Sacramento
Rob talked about Dignity Health’s proactive steps to tackle the physician shortage by creating residency programs and expanding accessibility through express care clinics. These clinics are designed for patients with less urgent needs, keeping them out of hospital ERs.
On drug costs, he mentioned the importance of educating patients about their options and utilizing generics to keep expenses down.
Jonathan Russell, Chief Ambulatory Officer at Marshall Medical Center
Jonathan discussed the physician shortage, particularly in family medicine, and how Marshall aims to use its staff more efficiently. They’re also leveraging virtual care and nurse triage systems to ensure patients get timely attention.
He pointed out that the public often misunderstands the financial struggles hospitals face. Despite the perception that healthcare facilities are making substantial profits, many are at risk of closure.
Additional Insights
Recent data shows that nationwide, about 21% of adults reported difficulty accessing health care due to long wait times or lack of available providers. Surveys indicate that this frustration is growing, especially among younger populations who are more likely to seek immediate care.
In social media discussions, users express both gratitude for healthcare providers and concern over increasing costs and wait times. This combination of challenges underscores the urgency of reforming healthcare access and affordability in Sacramento and beyond.
In sum, Sacramento’s healthcare leaders are working hard to adapt to rising demands with innovative strategies. However, as they manage these changes, it’s clear that community involvement and understanding will be crucial in improving the overall healthcare system.
