As a result of an interruption in blood supply, stroke can cause brain cells to die, leading to permanent disability or death. If not treated promptly and effectively, stroke can lead to permanent disability or death. The World Health Organization states that stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability worldwide.
Health care delivered through direct primary care (DPC) is more personal, accessible, and affordable for patients than through traditional fee-for-service models. Patients pay for each visit, test, or procedure they receive under a DPC model instead of the traditional fee-for-service model. Instead, DPC patients pay a flat monthly fee that covers all or most of their primary care services, including unlimited visits, preventive care, chronic disease management, and telemedicine. Labs, imaging, medications, and referrals to specialists are also less expensive for DPC patients.
Managing a stroke requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. DPC can help you in several ways:
By addressing modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity, DPC can reduce your stroke risk. In addition to lifestyle changes, medications, and regular monitoring of your health status, your DPC physician will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan.
By providing timely and accurate diagnosis of your symptoms, DPC can help you detect stroke early. Your DPC doctor will be available to you 24/7 via phone, text, email, or video call, so you can reach out to them whenever you have a concern. As a result, your DPC doctor will be able to make informed decisions about your care based on your complete medical history and records. The DPC doctor will coordinate your transfer to the nearest hospital or stroke center if you need urgent care.
Treatment: DPC can help you get the best treatment for your stroke by ensuring that you receive the appropriate and evidence-based interventions, such as clot-busting drugs, surgery, or endovascular procedures. DPC doctors work closely with hospital teams and will keep you updated on your progress. They will also help you navigate the health care system and advocate for your interests and needs.
With ongoing and holistic care that addresses your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, DPC can help you recover from your stroke. In addition to collaborating with your rehabilitation team, your DPC doctor will help you and your family cope with the challenges and adjustments involved with living with a stroke by supporting you and your family throughout the recovery process.
DPC offers many benefits for stroke patients, such as:
Patients with DPCs have better health outcomes than patients with traditional fee-for-service models, including fewer hospitalizations, fewer emergency department visits, fewer readmissions, and more satisfaction. Furthermore, DPC patients are more likely to adhere to their medications and preventive care, which reduces complications and improves their quality of life.
By paying a flat monthly fee that covers most of their primary care needs, DPC patients save money on health care expenses. Additionally, DPC patients can lower their out-of-pocket costs and avoid surprise bills when it comes to labs, imaging, medications, and referrals. Additional tax benefits are available to patients who use health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to pay for DPC fees.
In addition, DPC patients can access their primary care services more conveniently and with greater flexibility. It is possible for DPC patients to schedule same-day or next-day appointments, have longer and more leisurely visits, and communicate with their doctor anytime and anywhere. Additionally, DPC patients have more control over their health care decisions, and can switch to another DPC doctor if they are dissatisfied.
The DPC model of health care delivery does not fit all patients. Each patient's needs and preferences are addressed individually. If you choose a DPC plan, you can have a close relationship with your primary care physician, who knows you and your medical history well, and who can provide you with customized and comprehensive care tailored to your needs. You will have a voice in your treatment options and goals when you participate in DPC, as you are an active partner in your own health care. Your dignity and autonomy are respected by DPC, and your values and beliefs are supported.
DPC recognizes that you are more than your stroke diagnosis, and that you have a unique story and journey. DPC is here to help you manage your stroke, and to help you live your best life.
If you are interested in learning more about DPC and how it can help you manage your stroke, please contact us today. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have. Thank you for reading this blog post, and we hope to see you soon.
As a famous quote by Hippocrates says,
“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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