| What is Patient Centered Care? Many doctors today see a problem with the urgent care model of medicine that is sweeping the country and are moving back to a more traditional approach that better addresses healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, a doctor can begin to addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Typically this requires longer appointments where a doctor spends more time listening to the patient for clues about possible interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. It’s an approach that doesn’t lend itself to the urgent care appointment scheduled for 5-7 minutes but is critical in understanding the ramifications of complex, chronic diseases and influences that may be taking their toll on long-term health expectations. Why Do We Need More than a Five Minute Appointment? As a country, we are experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases. These diseases run the gamut of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward urgent care of acute conditions such as fevers, wounds, appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians then apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that treat the problem or symptom. Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the methodology for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique makeup of each individual, environmental exposures, mental well being or lifestyle factors. Taken together, these factors have an influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern society. 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 |