First a link for those unfamiliar with the model - this has been posted on the forum before in other health threads:
https://www.dpcare.org/
I enrolled recently and made a first visit to the practice. So far, so good. What I observed/discovered was:
1. The office is quiet and relaxed. I was the only person being seen at the time of my appointment - the small waiting room was empty. Quite the contrast to my experience with a typical Primary Care office which has multiple patients in the waiting room, ringing telephones, multiple employees going here, there everywhere, and typically a wait regardless of your appointment time.
2. The actual visit with the Doctor was also different. I was seen immediately and he did not seem to be in a rush. He told me he had previously worked for one of the larger health groups in this city and oversaw 4,000 patients (!). He is limiting his DPC practice to 500 patients. We had a lengthy discussion about my health background, current issues etc.
3. The Doctor is more accessible and can typically make same day appointments if there is a time sensitive issue. It is also easier to connect on the phone - no *%$^& stupid recorded message system to navigate through (and then wait.)
4. The monthly fee ($65 in my case) covers all visits in a given month. Same fee if you see the Doctor once or 20 times.
5. They are also able to get substantial discounts on medical services ordered by the Doctor including lab tests and radiology procedures. Hopefully won't need those but nice to know they are there if necessary.
One other difference is they do not participate in standard health insurance. The practice agreement states "Patient acknowledges and understands that the Practice is not a participating provider in any governmental or private health care plan." They also do not participate in Medicare. DPC is not health insurance.
Liking the look of this so far but too early to pronounce it a success. Anyone else enrolled and care to share their Direct Primary Care experiences?
https://www.dpcare.org/
I enrolled recently and made a first visit to the practice. So far, so good. What I observed/discovered was:
1. The office is quiet and relaxed. I was the only person being seen at the time of my appointment - the small waiting room was empty. Quite the contrast to my experience with a typical Primary Care office which has multiple patients in the waiting room, ringing telephones, multiple employees going here, there everywhere, and typically a wait regardless of your appointment time.
2. The actual visit with the Doctor was also different. I was seen immediately and he did not seem to be in a rush. He told me he had previously worked for one of the larger health groups in this city and oversaw 4,000 patients (!). He is limiting his DPC practice to 500 patients. We had a lengthy discussion about my health background, current issues etc.
3. The Doctor is more accessible and can typically make same day appointments if there is a time sensitive issue. It is also easier to connect on the phone - no *%$^& stupid recorded message system to navigate through (and then wait.)
4. The monthly fee ($65 in my case) covers all visits in a given month. Same fee if you see the Doctor once or 20 times.
5. They are also able to get substantial discounts on medical services ordered by the Doctor including lab tests and radiology procedures. Hopefully won't need those but nice to know they are there if necessary.
One other difference is they do not participate in standard health insurance. The practice agreement states "Patient acknowledges and understands that the Practice is not a participating provider in any governmental or private health care plan." They also do not participate in Medicare. DPC is not health insurance.
Liking the look of this so far but too early to pronounce it a success. Anyone else enrolled and care to share their Direct Primary Care experiences?