More than 80% of primary care physicians are concerned about financial stability over the next several years, new research from Elation Health found.
The health tech company surveyed 280 PCPs from Jan. 31 to Feb. 23 for its 2026 Primary Care Pulse Survey Report. Fifty-two percent of respondents were fully independent and 48% have some affiliation.
As financial pressures mount for PCP practices, 64% cite government and commercial payer reimbursement as their top concern. Staffing costs, workforce challenges, technology and IT costs and rising operational costs are also challenges for responding physicians.
Simultaneously, the report found 68% of respondents are actively developing plans to address concerns—ranging from increasing marketing to adopting new payment models. Sixty-seven percent of respondents plan to implement changes within the next two years while 27% report already implementing membership or cash-pay models and 18% report adopting value-based payment structures.
“Independent primary care physicians aren’t waiting for the system to change; they’re already taking action,” said Sara Pastoor, M.D., Elation Health head of primary care advancement, in a statement. “They’re rejecting the idea that a career in medicine has to come at the expense of their personal lives, and instead are embracing new payment models and technologies that support both. That drive to find balance across delivering great care, building a sustainable practice, and having a personal life is fueling the next era of innovation in primary care.”
Despite concerns, 93% of respondents report remaining committed to primary care—with 80% feeling joy daily or weekly. Moreover, only 2% report planning to leave the practice.
The survey notes persisting work-life balance challenges must be addressed regardless of high satisfaction rates, as 52% of respondents report completing electronic health record (EHR) work after hours daily or almost daily.
Consistent with health systems, many PCPs report increased artificial intelligence use.
Sixty-five percent of respondents said they already use AI tools in their practice and 98% of AI users report positive impacts on their practice. Sixty-six percent of respondents that use non-integrated billing said AI would be most valuable in billing workflows Overall, 58% report AI is essential to the future of primary care.
Researchers note the survey “challenges the narrative that independent primary care is unsustainable.”
“The data shows that with the right technology, payment model flexibility, and operational support, independent practices are not just surviving, they are thriving and leading innovation in American healthcare,” the report said.