Last week I wrote about young healthy people who often don’t see the doctor (even when they should). I have been one of those. But young people need doctors too. During my family medicine residency I found myself avoiding the doctor because:
- Scheduling was a hassle. A phone call. “Do you mind if I put you on hold?” Well, yes, I kind of do. A long wait. Still waiting. Finally, working with the receptionist to find the soonest appointment (three weeks from now) in the jam packed schedule.
- I had to take time off work or away from my young family to drive to the office and wait some more.
- I was nervous about the price. Yes I knew what my copay for a primary care visit would be. But what about the cost of any lab work the doctor ordered? The cost of imaging for my bum knee? The staff at the doctor’s office (including the doctor) don’t know the prices for these things because it is entirely dependent on the insurance company. I found myself on both ends of that as a patient and doctor. It is super frustrating for both! It was really a trip when my insurance company couldn’t tell me how much it would cost either. There is no price transparency.
- Follow up questions were challenging. Another question comes to mind after you leave the office? “Yeah you’re going to need an appointment for that.”
If I’d had a direct primary care doctor, none of those things would have been an issue.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care:
- Scheduling is easy. You just call or message your doctor. Not your doctor’s office. Your actual doctor. Hi. That’s me! I will answer your call or text you back and can see you that day or the next no problem.
- If we can safely deal with things over the phone or virtually, then we will! Stay home in those comfy PJs! Virtual visits are getting harder and harder to do in a traditional, insurance-based practice as insurance companies make it harder for doctor’s offices to get paid for virtual visits.
- A cornerstone of DPC is price transparency. You know exactly how much you pay me, you know exactly what that includes (a heck of a lot!) and our practice has helped arrange transparent and fairly priced labs and imaging for our patients, often less than you would pay if you had insurance (Doesn’t really make sense on the surface, does it? Welcome to the world of insurance).
- Follow up questions are easy. Just message me directly!
I wish I’d had a DPC doctor. You don’t have to suffer the same fate.
Reach out to us through the website or by phone about becoming my patient! (call DirectMed DPC @ 512-842-7633)
