Chest pain or discomfort caused by angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive sufficient oxygen-rich blood. It is usually a sign of coronary artery disease, which occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits called plaque. Stress, cold weather, heavy meals, and smoking can trigger angina. There are two types of angina: stable angina, which follows a predictable pattern and is relieved by rest or medication, and unstable angina, which is unpredictable, severe, and may indicate an imminent heart attack.
In direct primary care (DPC), patients can receive primary care directly from their physicians, without having to deal with insurance companies or third party payers. DPC practices charge patients a monthly or annual fee for unlimited consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab services. For emergencies and specialized care, DPC practices recommend that patients have a high-deductible health plan.
Angina patients may benefit from joining a DPC practice. Here are some advantages of DPC:
Your physician can spend more time with you during your visit. DPC practices typically have fewer patients than traditional practices, which means that your physician can devote more time to you. Your physician can discuss your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies in detail. You can also contact your physician by phone, email, or video chat, whenever you need.
You can save money and avoid hassle. DPC practices charge a flat fee that covers all your primary care needs, without any copays or deductibles. You do not need to worry about insurance claims, billing codes, or prior authorizations. As part of your DPC practice, you may also receive discounts on medications, labs, imaging, and supplements.
You can get personalized angina management. DPC practices offer a holistic approach to health care that focuses on your individual needs and preferences. You can also get referrals to specialists or surgeons if necessary. Your physician can tailor your treatment plan based on your medical history, lifestyle, goals, and values.
You can benefit from joining a DPC practice if you have angina:
Using DPC practices, you can receive prompt and effective treatment for angina, including nitroglycerin, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, statins, antiplatelet drugs, and surgery. Lifestyle changes, stress management, and cardiac rehabilitation can also be used as preventative measures to prevent recurrence or complications.
Having a supportive and trusting relationship with your physician can also improve your emotional well-being. DPC practices can help you reduce the pain and discomfort caused by your angina. Benjamin Franklin once said, “The best doctor gives the fewest medicines.”
DPC practices can help you address the underlying causes of your angina, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, or obesity, as well as other health issues, such as asthma, depression, and arthritis.
Here are some steps you can take if you are interested in joining a DPC practice:
Find a DPC practice near you. You can search online for DPC practices in your area or ask friends or family who have already joined one.
Different DPC practices offer different services and fees. You can check their websites or call them to find out what their monthly or annual fees are, what services are included or excluded, what discounts they offer on medications or labs, and what referral or cancellation policies they have.
Schedule an initial consultation with your chosen DPC practice. Your physician will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, treatment goals, and expectations. You can also ask any questions you have about the DPC model.
You can pay your fee online or in person and get access to all the benefits of DPC. You can schedule appointments as often as you like and contact your physician at any time.
