The condition known as pericarditis induces inflammation of the pericardium, which is a delicate membrane situated in close proximity to the heart. Sharp chest pain, fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath are all potential side effects. Viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, myocardial infarction, thoracic trauma, or viral or bacterial infections are all potential causes of pericarditis. The cause is occasionally undetermined. There are two types of pericarditis: acute, which lasts a few weeks or less, and chronic, which lasts more than three months. Additionally, complications may arise from pericarditis, including cardiac infarction, pericardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, or heart failure.
Due to its tendency to mirror other heart and lung issues, pericarditis can be difficult to detect and treat. It calls for an experienced physician to carefully assess, test, and monitor the patient. A number of factors, including lengthy wait times, high deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, or a lack of available appointments, prevent many pericarditis patients from receiving high-quality, reasonably priced basic care. These obstacles may make it more difficult for patients to get the prompt, effective treatment they need for their pericarditis, which may exacerbate symptoms and raise concerns.
Direct primary care (DPC) can make a difference in this situation. The DPC business model makes it possible for primary care physicians to provide their services directly to patients, without involving an insurance company. Patients pay a monthly or annual fee for these services. The membership fee includes various primary care services, such as consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab tests. There are no extra charges when you receive these services.
DPC can offer several benefits for people with pericarditis, such as:
Your primary care physician will make sure to give more time and attention to you. DPC doctors often see fewer patients than traditional primary care doctors, allowing them to spend more time with each patient and deliver more individualized and thorough treatment. This allows them to more properly identify pericarditis, rule out other causes of chest discomfort, and constantly monitor your status.
A direct primary care physician (DPC) is often more accessible than a regular primary care physician (PCP), allowing you more time with your appointment, more extensive questions during your visit, and even the option to communicate with your doctor by video chat, email, or phone. This might make it easier for you to receive timely medical attention without incurring excessive costs or enduring lengthy travel times.
Since DPC doctors don't take insurance, they don't have to deal with the paperwork and headaches of billing, filing, and payments. In turn, they can pass the savings on to their patients by lowering their overhead costs. Additionally, DPC doctors have more authority to negotiate lower costs for medicines, scans, and expert referrals, which can help you save money on your healthcare costs. Because DPC doctors tell you their prices right away, you know what you're paying for and what you're getting, with no shocks or secret costs.
Pericarditis can be managed more effectively and personally by DPC. In collaboration with your DPC physician, you will be able to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your needs and preferences. Your treatment plan may include the following depending on the cause and severity of your pericarditis:
Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, or antibiotics may be prescribed by your DPC physician to reduce inflammation and pain. Your DPC physician will also monitor your response to the medications and adjust the dosage and duration as necessary. Additionally, your DPC physician may be able to help you save money by purchasing generic drugs, using mail-order pharmacies, or obtaining wholesale medications.
If you suffer from pericarditis, your DPC physician may recommend some lifestyle changes, such as resting, avoiding strenuous activities, elevating your head, and drinking plenty of fluids. You may also be advised to quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, manage stress, and exercise regularly by your DPC physician to improve your overall health and wellness. Your DPC physician will also provide you with education and support to help you make these changes and stick to them.
The DPC physician will monitor your progress and recovery from pericarditis regularly. If you require additional tests or treatments, your DPC physician will coordinate your care with other health care providers, such as cardiologists, radiologists, or surgeons. Furthermore, your DPC physician will help you prevent or manage pericardial complications like pericardial effusions, constrictive pericarditis, and cardiac tamponade. Your DPC physician will also help you prevent or reduce the recurrence of pericarditis, by identifying and addressing the underlying cause, if possible, or by using preventive medications, such as colchicine.
A pericarditis is a serious condition that requires prompt and proper care. However, it is difficult for many people to access quality and affordable primary care. By providing more time, attention, convenience, accessibility, affordability, and transparency to pericarditis patients, DPC can provide a solution to these challenges. By using medications, lifestyle changes, and follow-up care, DPC can help pericarditis patients manage their condition in a more personalized and effective way. If you have pericarditis, or suspect that you might have it, join a DPC practice near you and experience the difference DPC can make for your health and well-being.
As Benjamin Disraeli, a former British prime minister, said,
“The health of the people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their powers as a state depend.”
