In bursitis, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints become inflamed or irritated, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness around the joint. The shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel are the most common joints affected by bursitis. In addition to repetitive movement, excessive pressure, injury, infection, and underlying conditions like arthritis and gout, bursitis can also be caused by excessive pressure or injury.
The direct primary care model (DPC) provides patients with unlimited access to their primary care physician for a fixed monthly fee, allowing them to reduce administrative costs and focus on personalized care. Patients with bursitis can benefit from DPC because physicians do not accept insurance or third-party payments.
DPC patients can access their physicians anytime by phone, email, text, or video chat. They can also schedule same-day or next-day appointments without long waits or referrals. It can help patients with bursitis receive prompt evaluation, treatment, and wound monitoring, as well as follow-up care.
Comprehensive and coordinated care: DPC physicians can offer a wide range of treatment options for bursitis, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, infection control, physical therapy, and steroid injections. As well as coordinating care with specialists, such as orthopedists, rheumatologists, or surgeons, DPC physicians can also advocate for the best interests of patients suffering from bursitis.
By educating patients about bursitis prevention strategies, such as avoiding overuse of the joint, using protective equipment, and practicing proper posture, DPC physicians can help patients with bursitis prevent further injury and complications. Through counseling, support groups, referrals, and resources, they can assist with the physical, emotional, and social aspects of bursitis recovery.
There has been evidence that DPC patients have lower hospitalization rates, emergency room visits, specialist consultations, and diagnostic tests than traditional fee-for-service patients. Bursitis patients may benefit from faster healing, lower infection rates, less stiffness, and improved function as a result.
DPC patients pay a fixed monthly fee that covers most of their primary care needs. They also benefit from lower prices for medications, labs, imaging studies, and procedures provided by DPC physicians or their partners. By doing this, patients with bursitis can avoid unexpected bills and hidden costs associated with healthcare.
DPC patients report higher satisfaction with their primary care experience than fee-for-service patients. They appreciate the longer and more frequent visits with their physician, the enhanced communication and trust, the personalized and attentive care, and the reduced hassle and stress.
Depending on the patient's needs and preferences, DPC physicians can tailor their bursitis management approach. In addition to ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, indomethacin, aspirin, and paracetamol, they can also prescribe pain relief medications. They can also adjust the dosage and duration of anti-inflammatory medication according to the patient's condition and response. If evidence of infection exists in the bursa, antibiotics may be prescribed. When other treatments are not effective or if the patient's symptoms are severe, they can administer steroid injections into the affected bursa.
Physical therapy can also be provided by DPC physicians to patients with bursitis. They can assist with exercises that improve the range of motion and strength of the joint. They can also recommend complementary therapies for bursitis relief, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, or aromatherapy.
In addition to providing emotional support, DPC physicians can also provide encouragement to patients with bursitis. They can also assist them in coping with the psychological impact of bursitis pain, such as anxiety, depression, or frustration. They can also help them set realistic goals and expectations for their recovery process. They can celebrate their milestones and achievements as they progress.
As John F. Kennedy said,
“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”
It is possible for DPC physicians to assist patients with bursitis in repairing their joints when they are in pain and prevent further damage when they do not.
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