An esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. It can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, or croup. There are two main types of esophageal cancers: adenocarcinoma (which begins in the glandular cells in the lower esophagus) and squamous cell carcinoma (which begins in the flat cells that line the esophagus).
Endoscopy, biopsy, barium swallow, or imaging tests may be required to confirm and determine the stage of esophageal cancer, which can be a challenging diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms and complications may also need to be managed with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
A Direct Primary Care (DPC) approach can help with that. With Direct Primary Care (DPC), you have a direct and personal relationship with your primary care physician (PCP) without the interference of insurance companies or third parties. In DPC, you pay a monthly or annual fee to your PCP, who provides comprehensive and continuous care for all your primary health needs.
DPC offers many benefits for esophageal cancer patients, such as:
With your PCP, you can reach him or her via phone, text, email, video chat, or in-person visits. You don't have to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment or deal with long wait times at the clinic. You can also get referrals to specialists or labs if required, without any hassle or extra cost.
You can save money on health care costs by avoiding copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and other fees charged by insurance companies. Your PCP will also provide transparent and upfront pricing for any services and medications he or she prescribes. If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can pay for your DPC membership fee.
Your PCP knows you and your medical history so you can receive personalized and holistic care. In addition to diagnosing esophageal cancer accurately, your PCP can provide you with the best treatment options for your case. As well as monitoring your progress, your PCP can also offer preventive care and wellness advice to help you avoid potential recurrences or metastases.
It's possible to build a trusting and long-lasting relationship with your PCP, who cares about you and your health. As well as supporting you emotionally and mentally, your PCP can also educate and empower you to take control of your own health, helping you cope with the pain and stress that esophageal cancer can cause.
It is possible to survive cancer, according to the famous oncologist Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee.
Here are some steps you can take to join a DPC practice if you have esophageal cancer:
During your first consultation with the PCP, you can discuss your medical history, current symptoms, treatment goals, and expectations. You can also ask any questions you have about DPC and how it works.
You can choose from different DPC membership plans that offer different levels of access and services. Some plans may also include discounts on medications and lab tests.
Receive personalized and comprehensive care from your primary care physician. If you have esophageal cancer, your PCP will work with you to create a customized treatment plan. It could include surgery (removing part or all of the esophagus), chemotherapy (killing cancer cells), radiation therapy (shrinking the tumor or preventing its growth), targeted therapy (blocking specific genes or proteins that cause cancer), or immunotherapy (boosting your immune system’s ability to fight cancer). In addition, your PCP will check on your progress regularly and make any necessary adjustments.
With DPC, you don't have to suffer alone or settle for subpar care when you suffer from esophageal cancer, a serious and life-threatening condition that affects many aspects of your life. A dedicated and compassionate PCP who understands your needs and helps you achieve optimal esophageal health can provide you with the best possible care.
As the famous author John Green once said: “Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.”
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