The hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious and common viral infection that occurs mostly in young children. HFMD is usually mild and goes away on its own, but can be uncomfortable and sometimes lead to complications. It causes fevers, mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet. If you or your child has HFMD, you may wonder how to get the best care possible. Direct primary care (DPC) is one option that you may want to consider.
Your doctor and you can have a direct relationship without the involvement of insurance companies or other third parties with DPC primary care. You pay a monthly or annual fee to your DPC doctor, and in return, you get unlimited access to a range of primary care services, such as consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab tests. Whenever you need to, you can talk to your DPC doctor by phone, email, or video chat.
When you have HFMD, you may want to see your doctor right away, so that you can confirm the diagnosis, get advice on managing your symptoms, and prevent the spread of the infection. With DPC, you don't have to wait for an appointment, deal with insurance paperwork, or pay extra fees. You can simply call, text, or email your DPC doctor and get a prompt response. If needed, you can also see your DPC doctor in person without long wait times.
HFMD is usually not serious, but it can affect different people in different ways. Some may experience mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms. DPC can provide you with personalized and comprehensive care that suits your specific needs and preferences. Some people may also be at higher risk of complications, such as dehydration, meningitis, or encephalitis. In addition to having more time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain your options, your DPC doctor will know your medical history, current condition, and goals. To ensure that you are recovering well and avoiding any potential problems, they will also monitor your progress and follow up with you regularly.
The experience of HFMD can be stressful and costly, especially if you have to see multiple doctors, undergo multiple tests, or buy multiple medications. By paying a flat fee, you can avoid surprises and save money. Through the network of partners of your DPC doctor, you can also get discounts on other services, including prescriptions, imaging, or referrals. Your DPC membership will also include clear and upfront information on what is included and what is not included, allowing you to plan your budget and make informed decisions.
If you are interested in DPC, you may wonder how it works in practice. Here is an example of how a DPC doctor can help you manage your HFMD:
During your child's visit, you notice that they have a fever, sore throat, and blisters in their mouth. You suspect that they may have HFMD, so you call your DPC doctor. Your DPC doctor asks you some questions regarding your child's symptoms, exposure to other children, and general wellbeing. Their recommendation is to treat your child at home for fever, pain, and dehydration if they have HFMD. As well as telling you what signs to watch out for, they also assure you that HFMD is usually self-limiting and that your child will recover within a week or so.
Your DPC doctor instructed you to keep your child at home, away from other children, to prevent the spread of the infection. You provided plenty of fluids, soft foods, and over-the-counter pain relievers to your child. You also applied some soothing cream or gel to their mouth sores. You regularly check your child’s temperature and appearance, and you notify your DPC doctor via text or email. It is a pleasure to work with your DPC doctor, who responds quickly and provides encouragement and feedback. Also, they advise you to wash your hands frequently, disinfect your child's toys and utensils, and avoid touching his or her mouth, nose, or eyes.
Several days later, your child's fever has dropped, their mouth sores have healed, and their rash is gone. Your child is feeling better and you are relieved. You contact your DPC doctor again and thank them for their help. Your DPC doctor congratulates you and your child on their recovery, and they advise you on how to prevent HFMD from occurring again in the future. They advise you to call them anytime if you have any other questions or concerns.
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” With DPC, you can get both prevention and cure, and more, for your HFMD and other primary care needs.
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