An osteomyelitis is an infection of the bones, usually caused by bacteria or fungi. The disease affects all bones in the body, but is more commonly found in the long bones of the arms and legs, the spine, the feet, and hips. If left untreated, osteomyelitis can result in fever, swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area. Osteomyelitis can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and lasts for a few weeks, or chronic, meaning it persists for months or years and causes recurring symptoms.
A variety of treatments are available for osteomyelitis, depending on the severity and type of infection. In addition, the treatment can be costly, time-consuming, and complicated, especially for people with other health conditions or risk factors that make them more prone to osteomyelitis. Diabetes, poor blood circulation, weak immune systems, artificial joints, recent injuries, and intravenous drug use are among these.
In contrast, people with osteomyelitis can access primary care in an alternative manner that can help them manage their condition and prevent complications. An alternative to insurance or third-party payers is direct primary care (DPC), which is a model of health care delivery that enables patients to access their primary care provider directly and unlimitedly. Through DPC, patients pay a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee to their provider, and in exchange, they receive primary care services, such as consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab tests, without having to pay any additional fees.
DPC can offer many benefits for people with osteomyelitis, such as:
DPC providers typically have fewer patients than traditional primary care providers, which allows them to provide more personalized and comprehensive care to each patient. This can help you get an accurate diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan, and a close follow-up of your osteomyelitis.
Providing patients with more convenience and accessibility: DPC providers offer 24/7 service, including phone, email, text, and video chat, as well as in-person visits. In other words, you can contact your provider at any time with a question, a concern, or a symptom of osteomyelitis, and you will receive a prompt and professional response. Your provider can also schedule appointments at your convenience, so you don't have to wait weeks or months to see him or her.
There is no administrative and bureaucratic hassle associated with billing, coding, and paperwork for DPC providers because they do not accept insurance or third-party payments. This reduces their overhead costs and allows them to charge lower and more transparent fees to their patients. You can also save money on copays, deductibles, and coinsurance as well as unnecessary tests, referrals, or procedures.
By choosing DPC, you can enjoy the following benefits for your osteomyelitis management:
DPC allows you to stay in touch with your provider on a regular basis, so you can detect any signs or symptoms of osteomyelitis early and begin treatment. By doing this, you can prevent the infection from spreading or worsening, reducing the risk of complications such as bone death, gangrene, septic arthritis, and impaired growth.
Your communication, understanding, and satisfaction with your care can be improved with DPC, as you can establish a trusting and long-lasting relationship with your provider. Taking antibiotics as prescribed, following your provider's instructions, and attending follow-up visits can also help you adhere to your treatment plan. A good physician treats the disease; a great physician treats the patient suffering from the disease.
With DPC, you are empowered to take an active role in your health care by having more control, choice, and responsibility. As well as educating you about osteomyelitis, your provider can also help you make informed decisions about your treatment, including its causes, risks, complications, and prevention methods. In addition to improving your overall health and wellness, you can prevent or reduce recurrence of osteomyelitis.
If you have osteomyelitis, or are at risk of developing it, you might consider joining a DPC practice near you. By providing you with personalized, convenient, affordable, and high-quality primary care, DPC can help you manage your osteomyelitis effectively and efficiently. In case of an emergency or specialized care outside of DPC's scope, you still need to have your major medical coverage.
A list of DPC practices near you can be found on the website of the Direct Primary Care Coalition, which supports patients and providers. You can also ask your friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or search online for reviews and testimonials from other DPC patients. You can contact a DPC practice once you find one that meets your needs and preferences and schedule a consultation to learn more about their services, fees, and policies.
With DPC, you'll get personalized, comprehensive, and affordable care, as well as any other primary care needs. DPC centered doctors will treat you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis, so you can expect a strong and lasting relationship with them.
By empowering you to take charge of your health and wellness, DPC honors this principle and places you and your provider at the center of health care decisions
As Albert Einstein said,
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
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