In hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing weight loss, a rapid heartbeat, sweating, nervousness, and tremors, in addition to speeding up your metabolism. A number of factors can cause hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, or excessive iodine or thyroid medicine consumption. Heart problems, osteoporosis, eye problems, and thyroid storm are all possible complications of hyperthyroidism.
Primary care providers diagnose hyperthyroidism, prescribe medications, monitor symptoms, and coordinate your care with other specialists if necessary if you have hyperthyroidism. However, getting the care you need can be challenging in the traditional fee-for-service model, where you have to deal with insurance companies, copays, deductibles, long wait times, and limited access to your provider.
This is where direct primary care (DPC) comes in. By offering their services directly to patients, rather than through insurance companies, direct primary care physicians can charge a monthly or annual fee for their services. In exchange for the membership fee, you will be able to access a range of primary care services, including consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab services, without paying any additional fees. DPC can offer you many benefits if you have hyperthyroidism, such as:
During your visits, your provider will spend more time with you, listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and address your needs. DPC practices typically have fewer patients than traditional practices, so they are able to spend more time with you. In addition to shorter wait times and same-day or next-day appointments, Benjamin Franklin once said, "Time lost is never recovered."
There are many DPC practices that offer telehealth services, including phone calls, e-mails, or video chats, which can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if your symptoms are mild or stable and don't require an in-person appointment. Your provider is also available at any time, so you don't have to worry about office hours or availability. Albert Einstein said, “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”
A flat-rate fee for most primary care services can help you save money and avoid surprise bills in DPC practices. The prices of the services and tests can also be seen upfront, so you are aware of what you’re paying for. It reduces your stress and frustration to not have to deal with insurance companies, copays, deductibles, or prior authorizations. As Warren Buffett said, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
DPC practices emphasize building a long-term and trusting relationship with their patients so they can better understand their medical history, lifestyle, preferences, and goals. They can also customize your treatment plan in accordance with your personal preferences and needs, and make any necessary adjustments. In addition, they can assist you in managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and depression that may affect your hyperthyroidism.
If you have hyperthyroidism and are interested in joining a DPC practice, here are some steps you can take to get started:
DPC Mapper allows you to search for DPC practices in your area and compare their fees, services, and providers. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or coworkers who may have experience with DPC.
You can schedule a consultation with a DPC provider to learn more about their approach, philosophy, and expectations once you find a DPC practice that meets your needs. If you have questions about their membership, fees, services, or policies, you can also bring your medical records, medication list, and lab results to better understand your condition.
DPC members can join at any time, and they can cancel their membership at any time if it does not fit their needs and budget. In order to cover expenses outside of primary care, such as hospitalizations, surgeries, or specialty care, you may want to keep your current health insurance, switch to a high-deductible health plan, or join a health sharing ministry.
When you become a member of DPC, you will have access to the benefits of hyperthyroidism management. Using telehealth, scheduling appointments, communicating with your provider, and receiving care in a convenient, accessible, affordable, and personalized way is easy.
Hyperthyroidism can be a challenging condition to live with, but it doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying your life. With DPC, you can get the care you need and deserve, and improve your health and well-being.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said,
“The first wealth is health.”
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