Burns are traumatic injuries caused by heat, electricity, friction, chemicals, or radiation to the skin or other tissues. They can range from minor to severe, depending on the depth and extent of the damage. To prevent complications and promote healing, burns must be assessed and managed properly. Burns can cause pain, infection, scarring, and disability.
For a fixed monthly fee, patients have unlimited access to their primary care physician with direct primary care (DPC). Due to the fact that DPC physicians don't accept insurance or third-party payments, they can focus on providing personalized care and reduce administrative costs. Patients with burns can benefit from DPC, including:
The DPC provides patients with convenient and timely access to their physician by phone, email, text, or video chat. They can also schedule same-day or next-day appointments without long waits or referrals. Patients with burns can then receive prompt evaluation, treatment, and wound monitoring as well as follow-up care.
DPC physicians offer comprehensive care for burns, including wound dressing, debridement, infection control, pain management, and scar prevention. If needed, they can also coordinate care with specialists, including burn surgeons, plastic surgeons, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. As well as guiding patients with burns through the complex and expensive health care system, DPC physicians can advocate for their best interests as well.
By educating patients about burn prevention strategies, such as avoiding heat sources, using protective equipment, and practicing fire safety, DPC physicians can help them prevent further injury and complications. Aside from providing counseling, support groups, referrals, and resources, they can also address the emotional, physical, and social aspects of burn recovery.
DPC patients have lower rates of hospitalization, emergency department visits, specialist consultations, and diagnostic tests than traditional fee-for-service patients, according to studies. This can translate into better outcomes for patients with burns, such as faster healing, lower infection rates, less scarring, and improved function.
In addition to lower costs, DPC patients also receive lower prices for medications, labs, imaging studies, and procedures provided by DPC physicians or their partners. They pay a fixed monthly fee that covers most of their primary care needs. It can save patients with burns money on health care costs and prevent surprises and hidden fees.
DPC patients are more satisfied with their primary care experience than traditional fee-for-service patients. Their physician visits are longer and more frequent, there is improved communication and trust, they receive personalized and attentive care, and the hassle and stress is reduced.
The burn management approach offered by DPC physicians can be tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient. Wound dressing materials can include lotions, honey, aloe vera, antibiotic ointment, silver sulfadiazine, or occlusive dressings. Also, they can prescribe pain and anti-inflammatory medications for burn relief. They can adjust the frequency and duration of dressing changes based on the patient's comfort level and healing progress. As well as nutrition supplements, massage therapy, acupuncture, and aromatherapy, they can recommend complementary therapies for burn healing.
Patients with burns can also benefit from the emotional support and encouragement provided by DPC physicians. As well as coping with psychological issues related to burn injury, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, body image issues, or social isolation, they can help them set realistic goals and expectations for the recovery process. Along the way, they can celebrate their accomplishments and milestones.
As Helen Keller said,
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.”
DPC physicians can help patients with burns overcome their suffering and achieve optimal health and well-being.
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