Anxiety is a normal and healthy emotion that helps us cope with stress, danger, or uncertainty. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, or irrational, it can interfere with our daily functioning and well-being. Generally, anxiety disorders are mental health conditions characterized by excessive fears, nervousness, and worries. Among the most common types of anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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.
You may benefit from joining a DPC practice if you suffer from anxiety or are at risk of developing it. Here are some advantages:
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.
DPC practices offer a holistic approach to health care that focuses on your individual needs and preferences. Anxiety management can be personalized. Depending on your medical history, lifestyle, goals, and values, your physician can tailor your treatment plan. If needed, you can also be referred to a specialist or therapist.
You can benefit from joining a DPC practice if you suffer from anxiety:
DPC practices can provide you with prompt and effective treatment for anxiety, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and relaxation techniques. To avoid recurrences or complications, you can also practice mindfulness meditation, exercise, or sleep hygiene as preventative care.
Having a supportive and trusting relationship with your doctor can also improve your emotional well-being. DPC practices can help you reduce the pain and discomfort caused by anxiety. Hippocrates said, “Knowing what kind of person has a disease is more important than knowing what sort of disease a person has.”
Enhanced overall health. DPC practices can help you treat the underlying causes of your anxiety, such as genetic predispositions or environmental stressors. You can also get comprehensive care for your diabetes, hypertension, and depression.
Here are some steps you can take if you're interested in joining a DPC practice for anxiety management:
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.
