Physicians are burnt out and fed up with having to take the backseat when it comes to their own patients’ treatments in community family practice. So primary care physicians are turning to a more promising, patient-focused medical practice: membership-based models such as Direct Primary Care (DPC).
The traditional, fee-for-service health care model has always been notorious for leaving doctors and their patients the short end of the stick. Overworked yet underpaid primary care physicians, soaring medical expenses – the medical industry’s most important stakeholders are no longer having it, and it shows.
Despite having the highest health care spending, the United States ranks last overall among 10 high-income countries in a major health system comparison. This is largely because many American citizens continue to have little to no access to primary care.
Poor quality of primary care [in America] has contributed to inadequate prevention and management of chronic diseases, delayed diagnoses, incomplete adherence to treatments, wasteful overuse of drugs and technologies, and coordination and safety problems.- Says Commonwealth Fund’s international health care analysis
Many patients fail to realize that having no access to quality primary care is a disaster waiting to happen. Research suggests that unreliable access to primary care can be linked to more ER trips, hospital stays, and higher health expenses.
This is why more and more primary care physicians could no longer stand to dwell on the depressing realities of the traditional, insurance-based system and have taken it upon themselves to drive a refreshing, new alternative into public consciousness.
Primary care (finally) done right
Easy phone or text access to your physician, often unlimited clinic appointments, discounted medication, and out-patient services are all features that Direct Primary Care uses to address the systemic issues of the traditional, insurance-based health care model.
Patients may be able to avoid some ballooning medical bills and some trouble reaching their doctor when they need it most. We have all encountered America’s health care horror stories, in one way or another, and Direct Primary Care may be a relief for some patients.
Doctors, on the other hand, can finally bid goodbye to billing codes and unnecessary paperwork.
A large percentage of the face-to-face time is devoted to actual care. My waiting room is usually empty, and my average wait time is still under 10 minutes. The obvious advantage to this is better care. There simply is more time to think about things, to listen to patients, and to educate them.- Says Dr. Rob Lamberts, MD
Direct Primary Care physicians like Dr. Rob Lamberts, MD, appreciate the fact that they can spend as much time with their patients as necessary.
This is a far cry from the alternate reality where doctors have morphed into cold, robotic technicians and less like caring, empathetic physicians.
Who knew that by simply eliminating these involved third parties, Direct Primary Care could shine a lighted path amid America’s impending primary care crisis?
Some patients find that primary care can be more affordable without the intervention of these third parties.
Filling in the gaps of community family practice
Both doctors and patients are quick to point out the stark contrast between Direct Primary Care and the traditional, fee-for-service health care model.
Giving patients an easy way to contact their physicians for medical advice is a big part of what makes Direct Primary Care different. For emergencies such as chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke or a severe allergic reaction, call 911.
With easier access to their doctor, some patients may be less likely to turn to the ER for non-emergency problems. This may be especially helpful for patients with chronic conditions, such as heart problems or diabetes.
Some chronic heart problems can lead to hospital care or surgery if they are not managed well.
Moreover, DPC practices make primary care services conveniently accessible for a flat subscription fee, which may help some patients with access and costs. Research is still limited.
The future of primary care is here.
From treating cuts and joint injuries to conducting routine check-ups and diagnostic screenings, imagine having a doctor you can rely on for anything about preventive/routine care. That is the idea behind Direct Primary Care.
Direct Primary Care removes the stigma behind seeing your doctor, restoring that doctor-patient relationship crucial to lasting, good health. In addition, patients in the DPC practice are no longer anxious about setting an appointment with their physician to fear having their medical bills pile up.
DPC may offer financial and access benefits for some patients.
Those reasons alone are enough for Direct Primary Care to get our vote of confidence. Do you think you would benefit from a DPC doctor? We list a large collection of DPC doctors in the US. Find your nearest DPC doctor in your area today at – findmydirectdoctor.com
