Approximately 2% to 4% of the adult population suffer from fibromyalgia, which causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. There is no known cause for fibromyalgia, but it has been linked to abnormal pain processing in the brain and spinal cord, genetics, environmental factors, or psychological stress. Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, treatments can help manage its symptoms and improve overall health.
A direct primary care model (DPC) allows primary care physicians to offer their services directly to their patients without involving insurance companies or other third parties. Primary care services, including consultations, exams, lab tests, and care coordination, are offered to patients for a monthly or annual fee. In DPC practices, there are typically fewer patients and more time for each visit, resulting in more comprehensive and personalized care.
Fibromyalgia patients can benefit from DPC in the following ways:
A closer relationship with your primary care physician, who can better understand your needs and preferences. You can also contact them anytime you have a question.
Your DPC physician can help you not only with physical issues, but also with mental and emotional well-being. They can also help you with lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and stopping smoking.
With DPC, you will have more input and control over your health care decisions. You will also be able to choose a practice that best suits your needs and values.
Enjoy more convenience, flexibility, transparency, and respect from your DPC physician.
DPC is able to provide customized fibromyalgia management that can improve your health outcomes and quality of life. Some examples of how DPC can tailor your fibromyalgia care are listed below:
Offering individualized treatment plans based on your medical history, current medications, allergies, and goals.
Providing new therapies and technologies not covered by insurance or not available in traditional practices.
Assessing your pain levels and quality of life with regular screening tests and surveys.
Prescription of medications or supplements that can help you manage your pain.
Recommending physical therapy or massage therapy sessions to reduce stiffness and improve muscle function.
Support groups and education programs can help you cope with the challenges of living with fibromyalgia.
As Thomas Edison once said: "The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of diseases." Finding a health care model that works for fibromyalgia sufferers can be a big help to them. When it comes to primary care that is more personalized, comprehensive, and affordable, DPC can be a viable option.
Previous Post
