| Why Criticism of Direct Primary Care and Concierge Style Practices From time to time I hear skepticism and even occasional criticism about the changes in primary care from the traditional fee for service payment system to the more common subscription style billing practices used in Direct Primary Care (DPC) and Concierge style practices. In fairness, the change has been the result of a dysfunctional healthcare system driven by politics, short sighted public policy, changing demographics and more. For the most part, physicians have had little control over these changes. Still, change is not easy for physicians or patients. For many it’s still difficult to envision a service model that could be better for physicians and our patients than the traditional fee-for-service practice. Two common concerns are typically put forth by skeptics: Patients have insurance already. Isn’t this another cost that makes healthcare even less affordable? When doctors spend more time with patients they will be forced to serve fewer patients. Don’t we already face a doctor shortage? Although many patients have employer subsidize insurance, coverage doesn't automatically equate to paid care. For many of those with insurance plans, meeting out-of-pocket costs remains a big burden. The result is patients avoiding primary care for years because of high or uncertain out-of-pocket costs. What critics often miss is the high overhead of billing through third party payers like insurance companies and the Government. Avoiding this overhead allows doctors to provide better value. Although there is no standard approach, many practices take younger family members and especially children without additional fees. There are many ways doctors can provide greater value to patients when not constrained by health insurance contracts. Often significant discounts on labs, diagnostic testing, medications, and procedures can be offered. For some patients, these advantages exceed the membership cost. And let's not forget the fact that most primary care doctors in traditional fee for service practices are juggling too many patients and too much paperwork. When a primary care physician has time to work with more complex issues and provide continuity of care patients far less frequently get sent to more expensive care providers, specialist, hospitals, etc. 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 provide 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 |