SSM Health tells Dane County committee primary care access improving; virtual care and new clinics highlighted

SSM Health executives told the Dane County Insurance Advisory Committee on Sept. 10 that primary care access in the Madison metro area and Dane County has materially improved since the health system last briefed the committee.

SSM officials said recruiting and capacity expansions are the main drivers of better access across the county. "We started 44 new primary care providers in '24, and we've already started another 25 this year and another 18 signed," said Kate Porter, vice president of medical group operations at SSM Health. Porter said the hires are a mix of physicians and advanced practice providers and that virtual and urgent care offerings have also reduced wait times.

Committee members said they welcomed the news but pressed SSM on several continuing problems—limited access outside Dane County, difficulty finding contracted network providers in search tools, and continuity of care for patients with complex needs.

SSM executives and physician leaders described specific changes and initiatives

- Recruiting and staffing: Kate Porter and Dave Otemaker, described as a physician executive at SSM Health, said recruiting has reduced primary care shortages in Dane County. Porter said roughly half of new primary care hires are…