A diverticulitis occurs when a pouch or sac in the wall of the large intestine becomes infected or inflamed. A diverticulitis can cause abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Depending on the severity of the inflammation or infection, diversititus may be mild or severe.
The diagnosis and treatment of diverticulitis can be challenging, because it can be confirmed and excluded by tests such as blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, X-rays, CT scans, or colonoscopies. It may also require antibiotics, painkillers, fluids, dietary changes, or surgery to manage the symptoms and complications.
That's where Direct Primary Care (DPC) can help. Direct Primary Care is a model of health care that provides you with a direct relationship with your primary care physician (PCP), without interference from insurance companies or other third parties. When you have a DPC, your doctor takes care of your primary health needs comprehensively and continuously for a monthly or annual fee.
Diverticulitis patients benefit from DPC in many ways, including:
Access: Your PCP can be contacted anytime, anywhere, via phone, text, email, video chat, or in-person. You do not have to wait weeks or months to get an appointment or deal with long waiting times at the clinic. In addition to referrals to specialists or labs, if needed, there is no extra fee or hassle involved.
By avoiding copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and other fees charged by insurance companies, you can reduce your health care costs. If you have a health savings account or flexible spending account (FSA), you can use it to pay for your DPC membership fee. Your PCP also provides transparency and upfront pricing for any services or medications he or she prescribes.
The PCP can diagnose your diverticulitis accurately and provide you with the best treatment options for your specific case. You can receive personalized and holistic care from your PCP, who knows you and your medical history well. Additionally, your PCP can monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Also, your PCP can offer preventative care and wellness advice to help you avoid flare-ups or recurrences.
Having a trusted and long-lasting relationship with your PCP, who cares about you and your health goals, is possible. As well as supporting you physically and mentally, your PCP can educate and empower you to take charge of your own health while coping with diverticulitis' pain and discomfort.
Hippocrates once said, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food."
Here are some steps you can take if you have diverticulitis and are interested in joining a DPC practice:
Consider a DPC membership plan that meets your needs and budget. Several plans are available, each offering a different level of access and services.
Receive personalized and comprehensive care from your PCP. In addition to antibiotics, painkillers, fluids, dietary changes (such as eating more fiber-rich foods and drinking more water), probiotics (to restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut), and surgery, your PCP will work with you to come up with a customized treatment plan for your diverticulitis. In addition to checking on your progress, your PCP will make any necessary adjustments if needed.
There are many aspects of your life affected by diverticulitis. But with DPC, you don't have to suffer alone or settle for subpar care. You can receive the best possible care from a dedicated and compassionate PCP who understands your needs and helps you achieve optimal digestive health.
As the famous author Mark Hyman once said: “The health of your gut determines what nutrients are absorbed and what toxins are kept out.”
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