Mondays with your MD – Telemedicine: Back to the Future
Gallery

Mondays with your MD – Telemedicine: Back to the Future

ndiaz2022-07-11T13:33:18+00:00July 11th, 2022|Adults, Direct Primary Care, Family Practice, Health Care, Telemedicine|

Reminiscent of a time where patients could receive medical advice by simply calling their doctor on the phone….telemedicine, popularized with the pandemic, has always been a structured integral part of Direct Primary Care (DPC). Virtual care has been shown to increase access to health care and lead to improved health outcomes when utilized correctly.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine allows for an ongoing dialogue between patients and physicians about shared health goals and decision-making. This improves adherence to the medical plan of care by providing a platform for a collaborative approach to health, where chronic conditions can be managed.

Telemedicine provides flexibility for scheduling and eliminates barriers between physicians and patients. Follow up appointments are made easier by removing travel times, childcare concerns, and time off work.

Virtual consultations can prevent unnecessary in-person referrals to specialists and lead to shorter waiting times to see specialists.

Telemedicine has always been a structured integral part of (DPC). When patients have an urgent care need or a follow up concern from previous visits, DPC physicians are able to quickly troubleshoot those problems with patients and determine the best course of action for each individual.

The Pandemic. Deferred wellness. Navigating health today.
Gallery

The Pandemic. Deferred wellness. Navigating health today.

ndiaz2021-05-13T18:23:04+00:00May 8th, 2021|Community, Copays, Deductibles, Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Membership, Pandemic, Telemedicine, Urgent Care|

As we pass one year since the pandemic started, it is time to take stock of our overall health and what it means to us as individuals. It’s important to note the collateral effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our individual health as well as the overall wellness of our community. Many avoided or delayed care (both urgent and routine) to lower the risk of acquiring COVID-19. We now have evidence that this shift has led to delayed diagnosis and treatment which results in poor outcomes.

While we can celebrate some success as the number of vaccinated individuals increases in the United States, we still struggle with effects of social isolation and the surge of mental health problems that accompany it.

Prior to the pandemic, it was common for patients to avoid the “hassle” of the traditional health care system. Patients disliked the “big production” around getting an appointment and waiting to be seen as well as the amount of time and energy spent to engage with the insurance-based model of care. Often patients delayed care because the cost was not transparent and surprise billing was never popular. Between copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums most people have no idea what costs to expect when they seek the care that is recommended.

The pandemic has accentuated the difficulties of getting care… we have witnessed that our health care system is beyond broken. It does not serve patients and the time for change is past due.

What if getting care was as easy as scheduling online and speaking directly to your doctor via phone text or email whenever needed? What if there was no “hassle” to get an appointment and no wait to see your doctor? The Direct Primary Care (DPC) model has made this a reality. Your physician is easily accessible with time to address all your health concerns. DPC is the future of health care and is championed by physicians around the country dedicated to doing what is best for their patients. DPC takes away the “pain” of seeing the doctor. It emphasizes the value of the patient-physician relationship and creates space for shared decision-making around health and wellness. DPC provides excellent care, transparent pricing, and unparalleled accessibility.

During the pandemic, DPC patients had unlimited access to their physician. They were engaged in healthcare prevention and maintenance conversations with their physicians. They received superior care by having direct communication with their physician. There were no “surprise” bills because DPC membership fees are transparent and extremely affordable.

As with anything difficult, we can always find a silver-lining… and we must if we want to continue to grow and improve. The pandemic has made the case for DPC. We all deserve better health care. The foundation for improved health outcomes lies in the rebuilding of a solid physician-patient relationship. How we get through it all… will always depend on… who we get through it all with.

>>LEARN MORE ABOUT ROOTS HEALTH DPC<<

>>Click here to call ROOTS now 708-613-7916<<

Staying well during a Pandemic
Gallery

Staying well during a Pandemic

ndiaz2021-05-08T13:05:37+00:00September 4th, 2020|Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Membership, Pandemic, Telemedicine|

What is different about Direct Primary Care?

For the past 6 months, most of us avoided going into enclosed spaces with sick people. For this very reason, many people do not feel safe going to an urgent care or traditional medical office. Unfortunately, our health care needs do not disappear during a pandemic. Neglecting our necessary urgent and routine health care needs can lead to poor outcomes. What is the best way to address this problem?

Virtual care and limiting the number of in-person office visits are solutions we have implemented, at Roots Health DPC, to keep our patients safe while providing necessary care. We offer unlimited text, phone, and telemedicine availability. We limit our in-person office visits, take necessary precautions to decrease transmission of the virus, and thoroughly disinfect between patients. Home visits are also available to members. The direct primary care (DPC) model places patients first and removes the mal-aligned incentives that accompany the health insurance model. DPC focuses on providing accessible and personalized health care. It provides patients with the affordable transparent pricing they want and the safe delivery of the health care they need.

>>>Reach out and set up a free Meet and Greet with Dr Diaz at Roots Health DPC<<<

>>>Read about how direct care practices are perfectly positioned to help patients during coronavirus outbreak<<<

What is different about DIRECT PRIMARY CARE (DPC)?

ndiaz2020-08-04T13:38:46+00:00August 4th, 2020|Direct Primary Care, Family Medicine, Membership, Telemedicine|

Have you ever had a direct line to your physician? Not a mid-level or answering service. Continuous access to answers about your health as your medical needs dictate, not as your ability to get an appointment dictates. Telemedicine, phone, email, text has always been an integral part of communication in DPC and supplements in person visits. DPC has known for years that communication is one of the foundational blocks for excellent health care. Your health care needs are addressed by your physician and follow up care is meticulously coordinated for your benefit.

Over the years, I can attest to how difficult it is for patients to navigate the complex health care system when health care needs arise. The coordination of care between providers and different health care systems are poor at best and this leaves patients with unanswered questions and often inadequate care.

At Roots Health DPC we prioritize the patient-physician relationship. We make sure your health care is accessible, personalized, and affordable. Book a free Meet and Greet with Dr. Diaz to learn more.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/katherinerestrepo/2017/09/18/telemedicine-pairs-well-with-direct-primary-care/

One of the defining characteristics of DPC is that these physicians keep their practices small so they can spend more time with their patients. Telemedicine further restores their physician-patient relationship by extending access to health care beyond the exam room.