As a nurse case manager, I know having a good primary care physician to partner with on my healthcare journey is essential. I have tried several doctors in my community over the years, but I felt we never were on the same page. They were always so busy; the appointment was on ‘their terms’ so they could check off the boxes instead of listening to me and my concerns.
I had heard about concierge medical practices but thought they were only for ‘rich’ people, so I never really thought this practice was for me.
Recently, I saw a few ads on Facebook about concierge practices in my area. I clicked on one and told them I was interested in information. I did this three times but never heard back from anyone. I crossed them off my list as I was uninterested since they never reached out.
I saw another company offering concierge practice, also known as direct primary care (DPC). I clicked to learn more, filled in a form with my name and phone number, and pushed send. I got a call the next day. The person who called back explained the program, the cost, and the benefits. He took time to learn what was important to me and what I was looking for in a primary care physician. He told me that each doctor has no more than 400 patients in their panel vs. an average primary care practice with an average panel of 2300. Doctors who moved into concierge medicine do this to have time to meet their patients where they are. Appointments can be made within two weeks, the wait time in the office for the appointment is usually less than 15 minutes, and patient and provider satisfaction levels are above average. I can message the doctor via the patient portal and get an answer the same day.
The website showed a list of doctors in our area. I click on several doctors and read their bios. I learned about their education, certifications, and experience. I picked one doctor whose bio seemed to match what I sought in a primary care doctor. When I contacted the office, we were able to get an appointment within a week!
When we met the doctor, she was pleasant, well-dressed, and receptive. She sat down and asked my husband and me about ourselves. She also shared a little about herself. It was so different from a ‘typical’ medical appointment. I felt relaxed and that the doctor was focused on us.
She told us she wanted to partner with us to help us maintain our health and prevent any problems. She asked us what our healthcare goals were and what our concerns were. She listened to my husband, and I took notes on her laptop. In the end, she summarized her plan for each of us. As we had not had labs, she ordered blood work and said we should return in a week to discuss the results. We made our return appointment when we left and felt good about the visit and the doctor.
During the week, we received text messages from the patient portal about the labs as they came in from the doctor. She wrote a note to each of us and said we could talk further when we saw her for the return appointment, but overall, the labs were good.
During the week, my husband and I discussed what we wanted to share at the next appointment. We both made a list of things so we would remember them when we saw the doctor.
The 2nd visit went well, and we discussed some educational opportunities they offered through the practice and were part of the program. These tests would tell the doctor more about our health and risk factors. She said she would work with us to develop a plan after this was complete. I asked the doctor if she would follow us in the hospital if one of us were admitted. She said with hospitalists, the PCPs usually don’t follow patients, but she would call the hospitalists to know what was going on, make suggestions, and collaborate with the medical team at the hospital, kind of like our advocate. This sounded very good, and I asked her about it.
So far, I am happy with the service. The office and the doctor are responsive. I am hopeful we have found a doctor with whom we can partner as we progress on our healthcare journey!
Wish us luck!
Have you had experience using a concierge doctor or direct primary care (DPC)? I would love to have you share your experience in the comment section or email me directly at allewellyn48@gmail.com
Have a good week!
Reference
Dear Anne,
I think that what you have experienced is what the future of health care will be from all that I read.
We have been blessed with an amazing Family Practice physician for 15 years, but she is leaving in October. I will see her this week to determine where she is going since we would follow her anywhere here in Jacksonville.
Stay healthy everyone!
I’m disappointed with the care provided by my family doctor. Let me explain it, he was sitting there just looking at me when I told him the pain in my ankle. The nurse brought him the labs and x-ray results. He said, “The osteoporosis is already bad, and your knees need a replacement. Do you want me to send you with the ortho?” I say, doctor, the pain that doesn’t let me walk is in my ankle. “Okay, I will send you to the podiatrist.” The nurse, pointed him to the altered results in my labs, almost everything. The doctor said, Oh yeah, the ANA is positive, you need to see a rheumatologist.” What I mean here, is the problem with the doctor’s time, always in a hurry. So far, I have not found a rheumatologist.
Luisa, I hope you find some help. Maybe a new PCP. We say our PCP is supposed to be the quarterback and use all the people in the field to help him/her care for us so we can identify problems and go to specialists when needed. I hope you find someone who can take the time to examine you and get the care you need……
Use your knowledge as a case manager to advocate for yourself.
Keep me posted.
Hi Anne,
I recently referred one of my Client’s to a direct primary care group. We have had a good experience as you have, so far. And as my Client’s patient advocate the collaborate often with me as well.
Good luck and keep us posted.