Having a long-term relationship with a primary care doctor has significant benefits, like decreasing hospitalizations and surgeries, catching serious illnesses sooner, lowering one’s overall medical expenses, and even lengthening lifespans.
And yet, very few Americans see primary care doctors with any regularity. Nearly one in three people lack access to primary care services, and 40% of adults don’t go to the doctor because it’s unaffordable.
With unpredictable insurance coverage, and networks constantly changing which physicians are in and out-of-network, it’s challenging to maintain the sort of continuity of care someone needs to stay ahead of health concerns.
That’s why Health Access Solutions makes access to a consistent primary care doctor a priority for all of our members.
What is Direct Primary Care?
Our members have access to a direct primary care provider as part of their membership and pay no additional monthly fees. Direct primary care (DPC) is a membership, rather than payment-for-service, program, which matches each patient to a local or virtual primary care provider. That medical team can handle all of your routine wellness and sick visits, manage prescriptions, and make referrals, as needed, to specialists.
How do I take advantage of my DPC?
To start utilizing your primary care services, you’ll find your provider, get acquainted, and start taking steps toward your long-term health goals.
Step 1: Find Your Primary Care Provider
Most Health Access Solutions members automatically have a direct primary care provider, although some will need to select one. Check your Digital Membership Packet to find out if you need to take any action to select a primary care provider.
Step 2: Meet Your Doctor (Optional)
Most DPCs offer a free meet-and-greet option where you can go to the office and meet the medical team before you sign up. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about how the DPC model works and is different from other primary care models.
Some members report spending 30 minutes or more with the doctor during a meet and greet visit, that’s almost twice as long as a typical office visit at other providers!
Step 3: Set up Your Initial Patient Consultation
You will want to schedule an initial patient consultation with your primary care provider at your earliest convenience.
Members have reported that their DPC has spent over an hour with them for their initial patient consultation. These visits cover the typical items, such as taking a detailed patient history, but can also cover a wide range of topics not covered by other primary care providers.
These may include:
- Reviewing your medication and supplements and advising you on which you should be taking and where you can get better prices.
- Helping you manage your routine medical needs, such as writing prescriptions and ordering lab work.
- Flagging any concerns in your family’s medical history, and scheduling necessary screenings to stay ahead of any risks.
- Advising you on selecting and utilizing any necessary specialized care, such as an OBGYN or physical therapy.
Step 4: Access Your DPC Whenever You Need Them
A great benefit of a DPC is that you can access them as often as you need to, often with same-day or next-day appointments. Some may even offer virtual care or home visits if the situation requires it. (You can explore whether these options exist with your provider).
While your DPC does not replace emergency care, for any concerns which can wait a few hours or until the next day, they may be able to replace the use of urgent care.
Because each urgent care visit starts at around $100, and can be much more with services rendered, this rapid access to a physician can save you hundreds of dollars per need.
Step 5: Share Information, Stay Healthy, and Save Money!
With a regular primary care physician, you have a centralized and accessible resource for all of your health care questions and concerns. Any emergency or specialist physicians can easily share records, so your primary doctor maintains a holistic understanding of your health and needs.
In the long run, this will not only save you as much as 33% per year, but it will also contribute to a longer, healthier, and higher-quality life.
To start enjoying those benefits today, find your primary care provider’s contact information in your Digital Membership Packet.