Episode 36

Episode 36 - Undervalued Thinking: Why Primary Care Is Failing in the System That Pays for It

Published on: 14th October, 2025

In this episode, “Undervalued Thinking: Why Primary Care Is Failing in the System That Pays for It,” we explore how America’s $4.9 trillion healthcare system continues to underfund the very foundation of good health—primary care. Despite rising medical costs, only about 4% of spending reaches primary care, leaving providers overwhelmed and patients underserved. The episode breaks down how Medicare’s payment system rewards procedures over “thinking work” like prevention, coordination, and counseling, fueling burnout, physician shortages, and declining access across rural and low-income communities. While policy reforms and state initiatives aim to rebalance spending, the pace is slow. As a hopeful contrast, the Direct Primary Care model is highlighted as a growing solution—one that values time, relationships, and prevention over paperwork and profit.

Follow Byja Clinic:

• Instagram: @byjaclinic

• Facebook: @byjaclinic

• LinkedIn: Byja Clinic

• Website: www.byja.org

Follow Dr. Jasper:

• Instagram: @drbjasper

Follow George:

• Instagram: @becnelmedia

• X: @George_becnel

Support and Donate to Byja Charitable Alliance:

- Website: www.byjaca.org

Purchase Your Copy of Byja Blueprint:

- Website: www.books2read.com/byjablueprintDPC

Produced by Becnel Media

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About the Podcast

Byja Radio Show

BeYond Just Another Radio Show

We are a radio show that focuses on a variety of health topics and current events through the lens of Direct primary care (DPC) and health equity. Our aim is to engage, educate, and empower our audience to achieve better overall health.

Byja Radio explores healthcare, entrepreneurship, and community through real conversations within the lens of Direct Primary Care (DPC). Our episodes highlight topics including medicine, financial literacy, wellness and business, giving patients, clinicians, and entrepreneurs the insights they need to thrive.

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About your hosts

Byron Jasper

Dr. Byron Jasper is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Byja Clinic, Louisiana’s first Black-owned Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. A proud alumnus of Xavier University of Louisiana, he earned his medical degree and master’s in public health from Tulane University.

Dr. Jasper is also the author of Byja Blueprint: An Introductory Guide to Direct Primary Care for Doctors, Patients, and Businesses, a nationally recognized resource on DPC. Beyond the clinic, he leads two nonprofits—Comprehensive Medical Mentoring Program (CMMP) and Byja Charitable Alliance (BCA)—both dedicated to improving health equity and expanding opportunities for aspiring medical professionals.

Through Byja Radio Show, Dr. Jasper brings together his passions for medicine, mentorship, and community empowerment—sparking conversations that inspire listeners to take charge of their health and their future.

George Becnel

George Becnel, II—commonly known as Patient Zero—holds the distinction of being the very first patient of Byja Clinic and co-host of Byja Radio Show. A seasoned marketing and business development leader with over 16 years of experience in healthcare, telecommunications, and professional services, George brings both professional insight and personal perspective to every conversation.

As co-host, George bridges the gap between patients and clinicians—offering real-world reflections on healthcare, leadership, and community empowerment. His ability to blend lived experience with business acumen makes him a powerful voice for listeners seeking a deeper understanding of how health and innovation intersect.