A preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects some pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation. It is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and signs of organ damage. Symptoms of preeclampsia include fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, premature delivery, eclampsia, and cardiovascular disease for both mother and child. It is therefore crucial to monitor and treat preeclampsia promptly.
There are, however, many barriers to accessing quality and timely care for women with preeclampsia, including high costs, lengthy wait times, a lack of specialists, and a lack of personalized care. In addition to increasing their risk of complications, these barriers can prevent them from receiving the best care possible for their condition.
This is where direct primary care (DPC) can make a difference. Direct primary care (DPC) is a method of health care delivery that allows primary care physicians to offer their services directly to their patients, without involving insurance companies or other third parties. Generally, patients pay a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee for a variety of primary care services, including consultations, exams, care coordination, and certain lab tests, without having to pay any additional fees up front.
DPC offers several benefits for patients with preeclampsia, such as:
A DPC eliminates the need for preeclampsia patients to pay copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, DPC practices offer discounts and sliding scales to low-income patients, reducing administrative overhead and paperwork that can drive up the cost of care. The fees are typically affordable and transparent.
As opposed to traditional practices where physicians typically spend 15 minutes with their patients, DPC physicians spend 30 to 60 minutes with patients. By doing so, they are able to address the patient's concerns, educate them about their condition, and provide personalized care and guidance. In addition, DPC physicians have smaller patient panels, usually around 900 patients, as opposed to the average of 2,000 patients in traditional practices. This means they can devote more attention and resources to each patient and follow up with them regularly.
It is easier and more convenient for DPC patients to access their physicians, without having to wait weeks or months to schedule an appointment. A DPC practice often offers same-day or next-day appointments, extended hours, home visits, and telehealth services. Patients can also communicate with their physicians by phone, email, or text, and receive prompt responses. DPC physicians can also help their patients access specialists, medications, imaging, and other services at lower costs and with less hassle.
In addition to providing continuous and comprehensive care to patients with preeclampsia, DPC can prevent complications, enhance their quality of life, and improve their outcomes and satisfaction. In contrast to patients in traditional practices, DPC patients have lower rates of hospitalization, emergency room visits, and referrals, as well as higher satisfaction and retention rates.
With the latest technology and equipment, DPC physicians can monitor the patient's blood pressure, urine protein, and other signs of organ damage regularly and closely. In addition to tracking the baby's growth and development, DPC physicians can intervene early if any problems arise and adjust the patient's treatment plan accordingly.
To lower blood pressure, improve organ function, and prevent seizures, DPC physicians prescribe and manage the patient’s medication, including antihypertensives, corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants. By negotiating with pharmacies, using generics, or dispensing the medication directly from the practice, they can also help patients access the medication at lower costs.
DPC physicians can provide patients with information about preeclampsia, its causes, symptoms, complications, and prevention. Additionally, they can offer support groups, counseling, and online platforms to help patients cope with the condition. Involving the patient in the decision-making process and respecting their values and choices can also empower DPC physicians to empower them to take an active role in their care.
In addition to eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, avoiding salt, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, exercising moderately, getting enough rest, and managing stress, DPC physicians can assist patients in adopting healthy lifestyles that can reduce the risk and severity of preeclampsia. In addition to providing guidance and support to the patient, DPC physicians can help them overcome any challenges or barriers to their lifestyle goals.
In order to prepare the patient for delivery, DPC physicians can provide information on the options, risks, and benefits of different methods and timings of delivery, including vaginal delivery, cesarean section, induction, and expectant management. A smooth and safe transition can also be ensured by coordinating the patient's care with the obstetrician, midwife, or hospital. DPC physicians can also provide postpartum care for the patient and the baby, by checking their health, monitoring their recovery, and addressing any issues or concerns.
With personalized care tailored to meet the needs and preferences of patients with preeclampsia, DPC can help them manage their condition safely and effectively. Providing continuous, comprehensive care, preventing complications, and improving the quality of life of patients with preeclampsia can also improve their outcomes and satisfaction.
DPC is a model of health care that embodies this love, by providing patients with preeclampsia with the best possible care, without the interference of insurance companies or other third parties.
As the famous quote by Hippocrates says, “Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.”
