Let’s take a little quiz. Answer yes or no to the questions below.
Have you ever needed to go to the doctor and you just didn’t have time?
Maybe you couldn’t take off work. Had too much going on shuttling the kids from this and to that. Or when the Doctor had availability, you didn’t.
Have you ever needed to see the doctor and didn’t go because of the co-pay? Or maybe you don’t have insurance and are afraid of the expense?
If this is you, you are not alone.
More and more people are going to high deductible plans because they are the only plans they can afford. And it has been predicted that insurance premiums will be rising in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Also, due to COVID, many people have lost their jobs and, in turn, their health insurance.
When you make a same-day appointment, do you get to see YOUR doctor or whoever can fit you in that day?
Many people only go to the doctor because they have to go and end up seeing whoever has an open slot on their schedule.
Do you frequent convenient care or urgent care because you can go after hours or when it fits your schedule?
Due to busy schedules, these care centers are growing at a rapid rate. Although they are convenient, the doctor is not familiar with your history. And that can lead to inconsistent care.
What about when you’re on vacation? Have you or your children ever gotten sick or hurt and you wish you could call a Dr. to get some advice?
Navigating a strange place can be stressful. Fear can put you in the emergency room when it is not needed.
Have you ever wished you had a doctor in the family?
Someone you could call or message and they could answer your questions.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions — Direct Primary Care is for you.
Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a cost-effective way for you to get top of the line healthcare for a fraction of the cost.
Some people refer to it as “subscription healthcare.” Much like paying for a gym membership for the privilege of using the gym. You pay a monthly fee and have access to your primary care physician.
That’s it. You pay a monthly fee and have access to a primary care physician as much or as little as needed that month.
Do I need insurance to have DPC?
No. In this model of care, insurance is not involved.
Direct Primary Care is a genuine doctor-patient relationship. Insurance — the middleman — has been removed. This is how doctors can provide their services at a lower cost and give you easier access to their care.
Many DPC doctors recommend that you carry some sort of high deductible insurance plan or healthcare sharing plan in case something like a car accident, heart attack, broken bone, etc. happens.
Sedera, Inc. is a healthcare sharing community that many direct primary care physicians refer their patients to if they do not already have catastrophic coverage. Talk to your local DPC to find out who they recommend.
If you have a high deductible — DPC is an excellent complement to your plan. You are covered for catastrophic events AND get quality healthcare for all your primary care needs.
According to a recent study by Milliman, Inc., 81% of patients stated they spend less out of pocket with the DPC model - including the month;y membership fee - than in the traditional healthcare model.
Also, during that same study, they found patients with direct primary care physicians are more likely to comply with preventative care measures. And that 86% of patients were referred to specialists less often than in the traditional model.
Many contribute these statistics to the fact that DPC doctors do not have to see a certain amount of patients per day. Limiting them to 15-minute appointments. Direct primary care doctors can spend the time they need to diagnose what is going on with you.
Is Direct Primary Care for You?
If saving time and money is not enough to convince you — what about quality of life?
Per an article in Healthline, “Why Keeping the Same Doctor Can Help You Live Longer,” Dr. David Brill states, “I can’t overestimate the importance of the relationship between the patient and their primary care doc. What we are rediscovering in the U.S. is that the best and most cost-effective medicine is what they practiced from 1910 to 1970: Patients had a relationship with their family doc.”
DPC is a healthcare model that goes back to the basics of treatment and gives you peace of mind — isn’t that priceless?
The main question you should be asking yourself is, why would I not sign up?
Who is Dimensions DPC?
Dimensions Direct Primary Care is located in Fairfax, Virginia. It is owned and operated by Dr. Sheila Chen.
Dr. Chen is a board-certified internist with a background in primary care, hospice, and preventative medicine.
Dr. Chen takes your health and time very seriously. She is a working Mom, so she understands the need for quality care at a reduced price and convenient schedule.
At Dimensions Direct Primary Care, you have access to Dr. Chen by sending a message through a confidential portal or calling the office. If it is not during regular office hours, there is an answering service that will take your call.
At Dimensions DPC visits can last up to an hour — if needed, longer. Dr. Chen likes to ensure that all bases are covered and that you are getting the care you deserve.
You may be seen via a telehealth visit, in-person visit, phone consult, or messaging through the portal. Most visits are conducted during regular office hours, but after hours appointments can be scheduled if needed.
Due to COVID, there is no more than one patient in the waiting room at a time.
If you are looking for a better way to do healthcare, contact Dimensions Direct Primary Care at 571-229-9183 or visit us online at dimensionsdpc.com.
Give your family peace of mind. Know that you have a doctor on your side.
It’s like having a doctor in the family.
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