Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs, and DPC Can Help Manage It. In addition to pain, cramping, numbness, coldness, sores, and other symptoms, it can interfere with your daily activities. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can increase a person's risk of heart attack and stroke, is also associated with PAD. PAD affects about 8.5 million Americans, and the number is expected to rise as the population ages.
The traditional fee-for-service model of health care may not provide the best care possible for those with PAD since they need regular and comprehensive primary care to manage their symptoms and prevent complications. There may be long wait times, high deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, limited access to your doctor, and fragmented care that doesn't address your entire health needs.
In order to receive primary care in an alternative way, you may wish to consider direct primary care (DPC). A DPC business model enables primary care physicians to provide services directly to patients without the assistance of an insurance company, in exchange for a monthly or annual fee. There are no additional charges at the time of service for primary care services, such as consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab services. DPC can offer you many benefits if you have PAD, such as:
It is easier to get longer and more frequent appointments with your doctor in DPC practices since they typically have fewer patients than traditional practices. This allows your doctor to learn more about you, understand your medical history, lifestyle, and goals, and provide you with personalized and holistic care. You can also communicate with your doctor via phone, email, or video chat whenever you need to.
DPC reduces or eliminates the need for insurance, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, which can save you money. Additionally, you may be able to avoid unnecessary tests, referrals, and procedures that are unlikely to improve your health. Through their network of partners, DPC practices may also offer discounts on medications, imaging, and specialty care.
A DPC can help you achieve better health and well-being by focusing on prevention, education, and managing chronic diseases. A doctor can help you quit smoking, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and take the right medication. In addition to monitoring your symptoms, your doctor can check your blood flow and treat any complications, such as infections or ulcers, before they become serious. Studies have shown that DPC can improve the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes for people with chronic conditions.
You can find a practice near you through the Direct Primary Care Coalition website if you are interested. You can also ask your current primary care doctor if they offer DPC or plan to offer it in the future. Once you enroll in a DPC practice, you can expect to receive comprehensive and personalized care for your PAD. With your doctor's help, you can create a care plan that meets your needs, preferences, and goals.
A thorough assessment of your PAD, including your symptoms, risk factors, medical history, physical examination, and tests, such as ankle-brachial index, ultrasound, or angiography.
A review of your current medications, supplements, and treatments, and any adjustments or changes that may be needed.
A discussion of your lifestyle habits, such as smoking, diet, exercise, stress, and sleep, and any recommendations or resources to help you improve them.
A prescription of medications, such as statins, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, or symptom-relief drugs, to help you manage your PAD and reduce the risk of complications.
A referral to a specialist, such as a vascular surgeon, podiatrist, or cardiologist, if needed, and coordination of your care with them.
A follow-up schedule to monitor your progress, evaluate your response to treatment, and address any concerns or questions you may have.
A support system to help you stay motivated, accountable, and empowered to take charge of your health.
Providing direct, continuous, and comprehensive primary care, DPC can help you prevent and manage PAD. The benefits of DPC include improved health outcomes, lower health care costs, and better quality of life. Take care of your health and well-being by considering DPC if you have PAD or are at risk of developing it.
As Benjamin Franklin said,
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
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