In your eye, a cataract causes a cloudy area that affects your vision. It is a common condition that develops as you age, but it can also result from eye injuries, diabetes, or steroid use. In addition to blurry vision, faded colors, glare, halos, and difficulty seeing at night, cataracts can cause vision loss if left untreated.
A cataract can only be treated definitively by surgery, which removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures in the United States, but it can also be costly and require multiple visits to the eye doctor before and after the procedure.
The direct primary care model of health care allows you to pay your primary care physician directly, without involving an insurance company, on a monthly or annual basis. You get unlimited access to your doctor, who can provide a wide range of primary care services, including consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab tests. DPC can also help you manage your cataract in several ways.
If necessary, DPC doctors can diagnose and monitor your cataract and refer you to an eye specialist. They can also help you prepare for surgery and follow up with you afterward.
Your questions and concerns about your cataract and your vision can be addressed in more detail by DPC doctors. Besides educating you on how to prevent or delay cataract progression, they can also teach you how to avoid smoking, control your blood sugar, and wear sunglasses.
They can also negotiate lower prices with eye surgeons who accept direct payments from patients for cataract surgery by offering discounts on medications, labs, imaging, and supplements.
You can save time and money by avoiding unnecessary office visits or emergency room visits with DPC doctors by utilizing telehealth services such as phone calls, emails, or video chats. Should you encounter an urgent issue or a cataract-related complication, you can also contact them at any time.
There are several reasons why cataract patients may benefit from DPC over traditional insurance-based primary care:
By eliminating copays, deductibles, and coinsurance, DPC can save you money on primary care. You also pay a flat fee that doesn't change based on how often you see your doctor.
In addition to improving your quality of care, DPC allows you to have a personal relationship with your doctor, who knows you and your medical history well. Your doctor will also provide comprehensive and holistic care for your cataract and other health issues for longer and more frequent visits.
By giving you more control over your health care decisions, DPC can increase your satisfaction. In addition to scheduling appointments and communicating with your doctor more easily, you have more flexibility in choosing a doctor who matches your preferences and values.
Among the benefits of DPC is that it allows for customized cataract management based on your specific needs and goals. Your DPC doctor can create a customized plan that includes:
An evaluation of your cataract and its impact on your quality of life and vision
Different treatment options, including surgery and non-surgical options, are discussed
Recommendation of a trusted eye surgeon who can perform cataract surgery safely and effectively
Instructions on what to do before, during, and after surgery
Monitoring for complications, adjusting medications, and providing support following surgery
Lifestyle changes, supplements, and regular eye exams are all part of a prevention strategy
When managing your cataract, your DPC doctor will consider your personal preferences, values, expectations, and concerns. They will listen to you attentively, answer your questions honestly, and respect your choices. Moreover, they will ensure that you are comfortable and satisfied at every stage of the process.
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