| An Innovative Alternative to Conventional Health Insurance Over time, the third-party payment systems in both private health insurance and public programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, have become increasingly complex and costly, less transparent, and more inefficient. By some estimates, 40-60 percent of every dollar of primary care spending goes to overhead or insurance company costs rather than to patient benefits. As a result, the number of physicians providing direct primary care, also sometimes called “concierge” medicine, has grown dramatically over recent years. Since direct primary care practices see fewer patients, the physician can spend more time on each visit, offer same-day appointments, and get to know patients well. Best of all, the empirical evidence indicates that patients with direct primary care experience substantially lower admissions, fewer emergency room visits, and fewer hospitalizations. In part the trend is a result of mid level practitioners replacing physicians at primary care practices. It’s a trend that leave many patients less satisfied. It’s also an unavoidable trend under current Government funding plans for doctor training. A recent survey found that almost 50% of physicians are considering retiring within five years. There are more reasons for the trend. Because direct primary care is financed by direct payment by the patient to the doctor, outside of insurance, doctors get paid better and can afford to provide access that is continuous, comprehensive, and personalized. Direct primary care resolves the growing frustrations with the current health care system, particularly problems with third party payment, paperwork, and government bureaucracy, experienced both by patients and by their physicians. Surveys show excellent outcomes for patients enrolled in direct primary care and a reduction in health care costs. To make it work, policymakers will need to create a legal and regulatory environment that is less restrictive toward direct primary care. To make it work well for all, policymakers will need to encourage change, innovation, and competition instead of just reacting to the increasingly dysfunctional status quo, the possibilities are endless. Until public policy changes in a more patient friendly way, getting to the head of the line will require selecting a doctor that offers a more personalized service. For under $2,000 a year, for example, seniors on Medicare can contract with a personal care/concierge doctor. These doctors offer prompt access, the option of calling them directly and time to make good medical decisions. The advantage is that the can serve as the patient’s advocate in a complex healthcare system that leaves most patients bewildered. Getting quality medical service will increasingly require selecting a doctor that offers a more personalized service. For a fee, seniors can contract with a personal care/concierge doctor that offers prompt access, adequate time for appointments, options for calling them directly, time to make good medical decisions, and advocacy when seeking care beyond the primary care doctor’s office. In Huntsville, Alabama, many view the opportunity to obtain personal care as a positive since it provides their doctor time to listen, make the best medical decisions and teach them what they need to know rather than 5-7 minute appointments where healthcare needs get kicked down the road. By providing adequate appointment time and care, this new type of personal care doctor helps keep their patients maintain the best quality of life, stay out of the hospital and avoid unnecessary procedures. Tell Me More about Concierge Physicians in Huntsville, Alabama. Exit |