Mood disorders such as depression affect how you feel, think, and behave. Aside from persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and loss of interest in once enjoyable activities, depression can also interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and physical health. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It is treatable and requires professional attention.
As opposed to traditional health care, direct primary care (DPC) allows primary care physicians to provide services directly to their patients, without involving insurance companies. Among the services patients can access are consultations, exams, lab tests, and care coordination, which they pay a monthly or annual fee for. Typically, DPC practices have fewer patients and more time for each visit, allowing for more personalized and comprehensive care.
People with depression can benefit from DPC in several ways, including:
Regular and longer visits with your primary care physician, who can diagnose depression, prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy, and monitor your progress.
Reduced out-of-pocket costs since you don't have to pay copays, deductibles, or coinsurance. You don't have to worry about prior authorizations or insurance company denials.
Telehealth services, such as phone calls, emails, or video chats with your physician, can help you stay connected and supported, particularly if you are unable to leave home or find transportation.
Coordination of care with specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists. Your DPC physician can communicate regularly with them and share your medical records electronically.
More proactive and preventive care can help prevent relapses and complications, thus improving quality of life and health outcomes.
People with depression can benefit from DPC in the following ways:
You can have a closer relationship with your primary care physician, who can get to know you better and understand your needs and preferences.
In addition to having more input and control over your treatment options, you can also select the DPC practice that best suits your needs and values.
Your DPC physician can provide you with more convenience, flexibility, transparency, and respect.
DPC provides personalized depression management that can improve your quality of life and health outcomes. Some examples are:
Providing access to new therapies and technologies not covered by insurance.
Assessing your depression severity and treatment response through regular screening tests and surveys.
Providing antidepressants or other medications appropriate to your condition.
Psychotherapy or counseling sessions to help you cope with your emotions and thoughts are recommended.
Connecting you with support groups and resources that can help you connect with others who understand what you're going through.
Those with depression may benefit greatly from finding a health care model that works for them, as Abraham Lincoln once said: “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Personalized, comprehensive, and affordable primary care can be offered by DPC.
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