Organizing his thoughts, the patient awaited the voicemail message.

“Good evening, this is Dr. Kapoor.  How may I help you…hello?”

Silently chastising himself, Hendrick realized he’d never said anything.  

“Uh hi Dr. Kapoor, sorry about the awkward pause there.  I’m just surprised you picked up at this hour!”

Finishing our discussion around alternative health options, it’s time for one last suggestion.

Change Is Hard

Imagine I went outside my home and started shouting, “We need a new healthcare system!” What kind of response do you believe I’d get?

Most people would ignore the intrusion into their peaceful day.  Maybe a few drawn back curtains, but then all would return to normal.

Why?

We are conditioned not to say such outlandish things.  New is too much work.  New is too expensive.  New is too…new!

So to keep my neighbors happy I’ll now “shout” using my keyboard.    

Direct Primary Care

Even the healthiest person can quickly become frustrated with the cost of healthcare.  Add in a confusing share of cost structure and you’ve got a recipe for hair pulling. 

I’ll admit, sometimes I’m baffled myself.  And I worked in healthcare administration for a decade!

This is why I was happy to discover Direct Primary Care (DPC).  A member of a healthcare social media group I manage recommended it. 

Quick rundown of how it works:

1. Members pay a monthly fee which covers most routine care 
2. A doctor is always available via email or text
3. Labs, medications, and radiology are at a wholesale price  

I’m assuming you’re okay with all three of these, correct?

How To Recognize It

Although they appear somewhat related, concierge care is currently an unrealistic financial option for many.  This may change in the future, and probably will if it wants to compete for patients.

Characteristics of the Direct Primary Care model:

• Practice revenue is generated from membership fees
• Insurance isn’t billed for services
• Office visits are longer
• Decreased patient cost sharing
• Less patients per doctor

Considering its present decline, the U.S. healthcare system could use some “fresh blood.”  This could be the transfusion it so desperately needs.  Why not at least give it a try?

Coming to a City Near You

According to DPC Frontier, there’s estimated to be 1,300 practices of this kind in 48 states.  I found 8 locations within an hour drive of where I presently reside.  

To wrap my suggestion in sound evidence, I pulled some data from a study done by the Direct Primary Care Coalition.

They found patients who used this model were:

• 36% less likely to visit the ER, and 26% less likely to be hospitalized

A loved one of mine handles process improvement at a local hospital.  Lowering both of these metrics would make her and the executive team extremely happy.  

In our present situation with Covid, there’s other areas to benefit from these numbers:

1. Staffing 
2. Patient satisfaction
3. Employee satisfaction
4. Health system revenue

With physician burnout increasing in 2022, applying “do no harm” successfully would surely lift their spirits.  Patient loads would be less overwhelming for staff, and allow customer service to shine.

And the patients would receive more 5-star experiences, adding more word of mouth marketing to the mix.  As healthcare systems are still businesses, an upwards trend in the bottom line wouldn’t hurt either.

Perfect for Small Business Owners

One major expense for employers is medical benefits.  

And many plans lock you into in-network providers which can be frustrating for employees.  Because human beings love to travel, and “life happens,” this rigidness isn’t ideal.

I run a healthcare content writing business, and have plans to scale at some point (Lord willing).  Originally leaning towards using fellow freelancers, there’s still the issue of loyalty.  This healthcare model presents a unique differentiator for me to attract and retain talent.

How so?

An article on WebMD presented it as a legit choice for businesses with up to 20 employees.  

Here’s why:

• Traditional employer insurance costs 2 to 3 times more
• Increased health outcomes are tied to greater PCP accessibility
• Staff uses less full sick days as visits can be done virtually

Do you see the potential of being able to offer this to a freelancer on retainer?  As an independent contractor, they normally purchase their own medical insurance.  Unless you relay this extra perk!

Elijah Wordsmith and Direct Primary Care

To conclude, the healthcare model of Direct Primary Care shouldn’t be used alone.  Most providers still recommend their patients purchase a high-deductible, low premium insurance plan.

This covers you in case of major medical issues. 

Hopefully by now you’ve become a bit more educated on this model and its viability in the U.S.  Do consider it when you’re deciding on care for your family, but perform your own research.  

Because I’m far from an expert on this subject.

But one thing I do well is amplifying the messaging of holistic practitioners and Direct Primary Care doctors.  Elijah Wordsmith content writing provides integrity led marketing to you as a small business owner.

Cutting through the noise, your online presence will experience a boost.  Why is a partnership worth considering?  

• 3 years as a content writer
• U.S. based 
• Fully remote for 2 years

​Take the first step towards standing out online and schedule a discovery call today!