How primary doctors are making it personal

A growing number of primary care doctors are leaving the traditional medical clinic and insurance systems behind and working more directly with patients.

Sometimes called "concierge care" or "direct primary care", the goal is to strip out layers of management that can come between patients and doctors.

The payment schemes very for this kind of care. Some patients pay monthly fees for unlimited office visits. Some corporations contract directly with doctors to see employees at the workplace.

MPR News' Kerri Miller talked with a physician who thinks this concept can also serve lower-income Americans, and to All Things Considered contributor Dr. Jon Hallberg.