How DPC Can Help Manage Your Constipation

Updated on: September 25, 2023

It can mean that you're not passing stools regularly or you can't fully empty your bowels. Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages. In addition to being hard and lumpy, constipation can also cause unusually large or small stools. The most common digestive disorder in the United States is constipation, which can be caused by your diet, medications, whether you're pregnant, or just a change in your routine. Constipation affects 16 out of 100 U.S. adults. This number doubles for people over 60.

Medical professionals diagnose constipation based on a history of the injury, signs and symptoms, and results of physical and neurological examinations. In order to rule out more serious bowel problems or identify the exact cause of constipation, imaging tests may be ordered. There are several goals of treatment for constipation, including relieving the symptoms, preventing complications, and improving quality of life. Treatment relies on the type and severity of the condition. There are a variety of treatment options, including laxatives, fiber supplements, stool softeners, enemas, biofeedback, and surgery.

People may, however, have difficulty accessing quality constipation care due to high costs, long wait times, lack of privacy, or stigma. Direct primary care (DPC) can help in these cases. By offering their services directly to their patients without an insurance company in the middle, primary care physicians are able to charge a monthly or yearly fee for their services. In addition to consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab services, the membership fee covers a variety of primary care services.

How DPC Can Help Manage Your Constipation

Constipation patients can benefit from DPC in several ways, including:

  • Personalized care from your doctor: DPC physicians typically have fewer patients than traditional primary care physicians, so they are able to spend more time with each patient. As a result, you can establish a trusting relationship with your doctor and feel more comfortable discussing constipation with him or her.

  • The availability of flexible scheduling, same-day appointments, and extended hours is a benefit of DPC practices. In addition to communicating with patients and providing care remotely, they also use technology such as phone calls, email, and video chats. Your doctor can be reached whenever you have a question or need a prescription refill, saving you time and hassle when you visit the clinic.

  • More affordability and transparency: DPC practices charge a flat fee that covers most of your primary care needs. In addition, you'll know exactly what you're paying for and what services are included in your membership. You don't have to worry about deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or surprise bills. Some DPC practices may also offer discounts on medication and lab testing.

The Benefits of DPC for Constipation Patients

You can benefit from DPC's constipation care in the following ways:

  • The DPC practice encourages regular screening for constipation and other related conditions as part of their preventive care services. Using the latest guidelines and evidence-based practices, they also provide fast and accurate testing and treatment for constipation. Getting tested and treated early can prevent your symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

  • Symptom monitoring and follow-up: DPC practices provide comprehensive constipation treatment, including monitoring symptoms, checking treatment response, and adjusting medication dosage if necessary. As well as providing follow-up testing and counseling, they also coordinate with other health care providers and specialists when necessary to prevent complications or side effects.

  • Education and support: DPC practices provide education and support for constipation patients, including information on how to prevent constipation and other related problems, how to manage your symptoms naturally through diet and lifestyle changes, how to take medication safely and effectively, and how to cope with the emotional impact of constipation. Besides providing referrals to other resources and services, they can also help you improve your health.

Personalized Constipation Management in DPC

Our DPC practices offer customized constipation management based on your individual needs and preferences.

  • An alternative or complementary therapy may help stimulate your bowel movements or ease your discomfort if you prefer a natural or holistic approach to your constipation treatment.

  • A DPC doctor may adjust your treatment plan if you have any other health conditions that may affect your constipation treatment or outcome, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or depression.

  • Using reminders or incentives may help you adhere to your constipation treatment regimen or remember to take your medication on time.

  • Your DPC doctor may use secure communication channels or encryption methods to protect your personal information regarding your constipation diagnosis or treatment if you have concerns about confidentiality.

As you can see, DPC can offer a better way to manage your constipation and improve your health. A DPC is a model of medicine that emphasizes prevention and wellness rather than disease and illness. A DPC is a model of medicine that shows an interest and respect for its patients, particularly those who are dealing with common and simple conditions such as constipation. To learn more about DPC, visit the websites of the American Academy of Family Physicians or the Direct Primary Care Coalition.

Published on: September 25, 2023
Doctors that manage constipation
  • Shawn Bailey, Concierge Internal Medicine in Columbus
    Shawn Bailey, MD
    Concierge Internal Medicine
    Columbus, Ohio
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
    I've seen dozens of doctors and specialists, in addition to those required by my husband and children. Dr. Bailey is without a doubt the best doctor our family has ever seen! He devotes attention to his patients. We are not just a number to him since he genuinely cares about and knows his patients.
  • Saima Khawaja, Concierge Internal Medicine in Columbus
    Saima Khawaja, MD
    Concierge Internal Medicine
    Columbus, Ohio
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
    Compassionate, well-trained, and intelligent, she provides a holistic approach that incorporates both conventional and alternative medicine. I highly recommend Dr. Khawaja.
  • Gina Love-Walker, DPC Internal Medicine in Columbus
    Gina Love-Walker, MD
    DPC Internal Medicine
    Columbus, Ohio
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
    She's fantastic! Kind, compassionate, intelligent, and a gorgeous human being! She not only listens, but she also collaborates with you on your health needs. I can't think of anything better than that! She takes the time to truly grasp your requirements. She is attentive and genuinely concerned about her patients!
  • Amy Castillo, Concierge Internal Medicine in Dublin
    Amy Castillo, PA-C
    Concierge Internal Medicine
    Dublin, Ohio
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Kevin P. Henzel, Concierge Internal Medicine in Marysville
    Kevin P. Henzel, MD
    Concierge Internal Medicine
    Marysville, Ohio
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Daniel Madsen, DPC Internal Medicine in Waverly
    Daniel Madsen, DO
    DPC Internal Medicine
    Waverly, Ohio
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Nancy W. Liu, Concierge Internal Medicine in Dayton
    Nancy W. Liu, MD
    Concierge Internal Medicine
    Dayton, Ohio
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Barry Taylor, Concierge Internal Medicine in Oakwood
    Barry Taylor, MD
    Concierge Internal Medicine
    Oakwood, Ohio
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending