People who have psoriatic arthritis have scaly, red patches on their skin due to a chronic inflammatory condition known as psoriatic arthritis. Those with psoriatic arthritis may experience pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in their joints, as well as other organs, including the lungs, heart, and kidneys.
In order to treat psoriatic arthritis, ongoing monitoring and care are necessary. However, many people with psoriatic arthritis face barriers to accessing quality health care, such as high costs, long waiting times, and limited availability of specialists. As a result of these barriers, disease activity can increase, quality of life can suffer, and complications can occur.
An alternative model of health care delivery is Direct Primary Care (DPC), which can be used to overcome these barriers. It offers patients a personal and direct relationship with their doctor without the involvement of an insurance company or other third party in primary care. In addition to unlimited visits, phone calls, emails, and other services, DPC patients pay a monthly or annual fee to their doctor. A DPC doctor typically has fewer patients than a traditional primary care doctor, so he or she can spend more time with each patient and provide more comprehensive care.
DPC can offer several benefits for people with psoriatic arthritis, such as:
DPC patients have access to same-day or next-day appointments, longer appointments, and 24/7 access to their doctor by phone, email, or text. As a result, they can avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room or urgent care centers and receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for their condition.
Patients with DPCs can save money on health care costs, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. DPC doctors can also offer discounts on lab tests, imaging, medications, and specialists referrals. This situation allows patients to afford the medications and therapies needed to manage psoriatic arthritis, as well as prevent or treat complications.
DPC doctors can provide more customized care by taking the time to understand the unique needs and preferences of each patient. To ensure holistic and integrated management of psoriatic arthritis, DPC doctors can also coordinate care with other providers, including rheumatologists, dermatologists, and physical therapists.
In addition to treating symptoms, DPC doctors can also focus on prevention and wellness. As a result of adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as diet, exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation, DPC doctors can reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and improve overall health in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Moreover, DPC doctors can monitor and adjust treatment plans based on the progression and activity of psoriatic arthritis, preventing or delaying joint damage and disability if necessary.
DPC can offer a personalized and comprehensive approach to psoriatic arthritis management, which may include:
Various tests, including a medical history, a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging, can be used to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. As well as assessing the severity and type of psoriatic arthritis, DPC doctors can also evaluate the patient's quality of life.
In addition to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and corticosteroids, DPC doctors can prescribe a variety of medications to treat psoriatic arthritis. In addition to pharmacological treatments, DPC doctors can recommend non-pharmacological ones. Patients can work with DPC doctors to find the best treatment combination that meets their needs and goals.
DPC doctors can provide patients with information about their condition, its causes, symptoms, complications, and prognosis. In addition to providing information and guidance, DPC doctors can help patients cope with the physical and emotional challenges of living with psoriatic arthritis, such as fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
DPC doctors can offer emotional and social support to patients with psoriatic arthritis, such as listening, empathizing, and encouraging them. In order to provide peer support, share experiences, and learn from others, DPC doctors can connect psoriatic arthritis patients with other resources, including support groups, online communities, and advocacy organizations.
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