One of the common questions I’ve been getting goes something like this: “I get why direct primary care would be great for older and sicker people, but I’m young and healthy… Why should I pay a DPC doctor a monthly fee to be their patient if I’m not going to need to see them all the time?” My answer is usually something like this:
Young healthy people have health concerns and questions frequently, especially if they have kids! You should have a trusted and well trained doctor who knows you and your family well and can answer those questions a heck of a lot better than “Dr. Google”. Also, in case you were wondering, it isn’t cool to corner your second-cousin who “happens to be in healthcare” at a family dinner so you can get them to look at that pesky lump you’ve been thinking about for 4 months. That’s why you have a doctor. Just text me a picture or come see me!
Unexpected things happen! Need a cut stitched up? Your DPC doctor (me) can do that for you. Think you might have a sinus infection and can’t get rid of that cough? Text me. STD testing or birth control questions? I got you. Wondering if you should start an antidepressant or anxiety medication? Let’s have a cup of tea and talk. Pesky lump you want looked at and maybe removed? I live for that stuff. And guess what? All of the above (and much more) is covered by your monthly DPC fee.
Should you find yourself in a situation where you don’t know what to do or where to go, I am a phone call away and I can advise you on what to do next. If you need to go to the ER or a specialist, I am going to tell you that, and I’m going to call ahead to let them know who you are and why you’re coming (we still advise our patients to have some sort of insurance or a healthshare for emergencies and we can help our patients obtain affordable coverage that can hang around in the background and couples well with DPC). On the flipside, if it is less emergent, I am here to provide the care you need.
DPC allows me to spend more time with each and every patient, and that extra time allows you and me to be proactive about your health instead of reactive. I can take a deep dive into your health and story, help you set goals, check in with you, and empower you to live your best and healthiest life now. That way, when you inevitably become “old” (as we all do) you are still out there doing the things that matter most to you instead of stuck in an office with your doctor all the time!
If you are interested in becoming one of my patients, please reach out to us through the website or give us a call. I start seeing patients in New Braunfels on September 1st!