Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. As the protective cartilage in the bones wears down over time, it causes pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility in the joints that are affected. Hands, knees, hips, and spine are the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis. As a result of osteoarthritis, you may have difficulty performing daily activities and enjoying your hobbies.
In order to manage your osteoarthritis and get the best possible care, you may want to consider direct primary care (DPC), an innovative payment model that provides patients direct access to their primary care provider, without an insurance company in the middle, for a monthly or annual fee. There are many benefits to DPC for osteoarthritis patients, including better outcomes, lower costs, and personalized care.
DPC is a model of primary care that eliminates the middleman between you and your doctor. You pay your doctor a flat fee per month, usually $50 to $150, rather than paying your insurance company for every visit or procedure. There are no additional charges at the time of service for any primary care services, including consultations, exams, care coordination, and lab services. Moreover, you have unlimited access to your doctor, who can communicate with you via phone, email, or video chat, as well as see you in person at any time.
There are several ways that DPC can help you manage osteoarthritis. First, DPC allows your doctor to spend more time with you, getting to know you and your health history, and creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Also, your doctor can monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as necessary, so that you receive the most effective and appropriate treatment. Secondly, DPC lowers your health care costs since there are no copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for primary care services. There are no surprise bills or hidden fees either, as everything is included in your membership fee. Lastly, DPC can improve your health outcomes, since you are able to reach your doctor more frequently, receive preventive care, and receive early intervention that can help prevent complications and reduce the need for more costly and invasive treatments. As a result of building a long-term relationship with your doctor and having more control over your health care decisions, DPC can also improve your satisfaction and trust in them.
DPC can offer many benefits for osteoarthritis patients, such as:
The doctor can prescribe and monitor your medication, as well as recommend non-pharmacological therapies that can help reduce pain and inflammation, such as massage, acupuncture, or supplements. Alternatively, your doctor can refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, orthopedist, or pain management expert, and coordinate your care.
Your doctor can give you exercises, stretches, and lifestyle advice to help you improve your mobility and function. Exercises, stretches, and lifestyle advice can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and protect your joints, and help you maintain or improve your mobility and function. In addition to providing assistive devices, your doctor may also teach you how to use them if necessary, including braces, splints, and walkers.
The doctor can provide you with counseling, support, and resources to cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of osteoarthritis, such as depression, anxiety, stress, or low self-esteem. By providing you with motivation, guidance, and referrals, your doctor can also assist you in setting and achieving your personal and professional goals, as well as encouraging you to pursue your hobbies and interests.
DPC is not a one-size-fits-all approach to primary care. Rather, it is a personalized and patient-centered model that allows you and your doctor to work together to find the best solutions for your osteoarthritis.
Your doctor will tailor your care plan to your specific needs, preferences, and goals, and involve you in every step of the process.
You will also have the freedom and flexibility to choose your doctor, schedule your appointments, and access your care, without any restrictions or limitations imposed by your insurance company.
DPC can give you the opportunity to take charge of your health and well-being, and enjoy a better quality of life.
By providing you with holistic and comprehensive care, DPC can help you reach your goals, as they address not just your osteoarthritis, but also your overall health and well-being. Direct Primary Care, a non-profit organization promoting and supporting the DPC movement, is a great place to find out more about DPC, as well as locate a DPC practice near you.
As Hippocrates, the father of medicine, once said,
“It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.”
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