Small pouches or pockets form in the intestines (colon) during diverticulosis. These pouches are called diverticula, and usually don't cause any symptoms or complications. It is possible, however, for these tissues to become inflamed or infected, resulting in diverticulitis, a condition characterized by abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.
As opposed to traditional health care, direct primary care (DPC) allows primary care physicians to provide services directly to their patients, without involving insurance companies. Among the services patients can access are consultations, exams, lab tests, and care coordination, which they pay a monthly or annual fee for. Typically, DPC practices have fewer patients and more time for each visit, allowing for more personalized and comprehensive care.
Diverticulosis patients may benefit from DPC for several reasons, including:
Consult your primary care physician more often, so that he or she can assess your colon health, provide dietary advice, screen for colon cancer, and monitor your symptoms.
Reduced out-of-pocket costs since you don't have to pay copays, deductibles, or coinsurance. You don't have to worry about prior authorizations or insurance company denials.
The availability of telehealth services, such as telephone calls, emails, and video chats with your physician, can help you stay in touch and receive timely advice and guidance.
Diverticulosis patients can benefit from DPC by:
You can have a closer relationship with your primary care physician, who can get to know you better and understand your needs and preferences.
The DPC physician can address not only physical problems, but also mental and emotional well-being, as well as stress management and smoking cessation.
Your DPC physician can provide you with more convenience, flexibility, transparency, and respect.
Personalized diverticulosis management can improve your quality of life and health outcomes. Here are some examples of how DPC can help you:
We provide individualized treatment plans based on your medical history, current medications, allergies, and goals.
Providing access to new therapies and technologies not covered by insurance.
Regular colonoscopies and stool tests to detect diverticulitis or colon cancer.
Prescribe fiber supplements or laxatives to prevent constipation and relieve colon wall pressure.
Dietary modifications and supplements that can help you avoid foods that can irritate or inflame your diverticula.
Support groups and education programs can help you cope with the challenges of living with diverticulosis.
As Hippocrates once said: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
In order to find a health care model that works for diverticulosis patients, DPC is a viable option for those who want more personalized, comprehensive, and affordable primary care.
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