A common condition, tendonitis affects many people, especially those who engage in repetitive, strenuous activities. Overuse, injury, or infection can cause tendons to become inflamed or irritated, which connect muscles to bones. Affected areas can experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion as a result of tendonitis. Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, and patellar tendonitis are some of the most common types of tendonitis.
The symptoms of tendonitis can be treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. However, these treatments may not be enough to relieve the symptoms or prevent recurrence. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the damaged tendon. As patients may have difficulty performing their daily activities or work tasks due to tendonitis, it can also have an impact on their quality of life and productivity.
Patients with tendonitis can now manage their condition more effectively and affordably with a new primary care model. As a practice and payment model, Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers patients unlimited access to their primary care physician (PCP) for a fixed monthly fee. Insurance companies, co-pays, deductibles, and other third-party intermediaries are not involved in DPC. Rather than paying their PCP directly, patients pay their PCP directly for preventive care, chronic disease management, acute care, and referrals to specialists.
As a result of DPC, patients with tendonitis can visit their PCP more frequently and for longer periods of time, which can result in a better diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. A DPC physician typically has a smaller patient panel, so they can provide better care and spend more time with each patient. Additionally, they can communicate with patients via phone, email, text, or video, which can improve convenience and accessibility.
Secondly, DPC can help patients save money on their health care expenses, which can reduce the financial burden of tendonitis. DPC patients pay a flat monthly fee, which covers most or all of their primary care services. They don't have to worry about co-pays, deductibles, or surprise bills. DPC physicians also have lower overhead costs, which means they can charge lower prices for their services. Their patients can also benefit from lower prices for lab tests, imaging, medications, and referrals.
As a third benefit, DPC can help patients prevent complications from tendonitis and improve their health outcomes. In addition to focusing on prevention and wellness, DPC physicians can help patients avoid or delay the onset of chronic diseases that could worsen tendonitis. It is also possible for DPC physicians to coordinate the care of their patients with other providers, including specialists, physical therapists, and surgeons, thereby improving continuity and quality of care for patients. In addition to monitoring the progress and satisfaction of their patients, DPC physicians also build trust between patients and physicians.
DPC has many benefits for patients with tendonitis, such as:
Patients can see their PCP whenever they need to, without waiting for appointments or referrals. They can also communicate with their PCP by phone, email, text, or video.
Improved quality of care: DPC patients receive more personalized and comprehensive care from their PCP, who knows their medical history, preferences, and goals. Additionally, DPC physicians do not have to follow insurance company guidelines or incentives, which results in more evidence-based and appropriate care.
As a result of feeling valued, respected, and listened to by their PCP, DPC patients report higher levels of satisfaction with their care. Their adherence and outcomes can be improved by their higher levels of trust, loyalty, and engagement with their PCP.
The DPC results in better health outcomes, including fewer hospitalizations, emergency room visits, surgical procedures, and complications for patients. As a result of tendonitis, they also experience lower levels of pain, inflammation, and disability, and they are able to perform their daily activities and work tasks more comfortably, which leads to a better quality of life and productivity.
It is possible for physicians at DPC to tailor the treatment plan based on the specific needs, preferences, and goals of each patient with tendonitis. DPC physicians can also adjust the plan as the condition changes or improves. For tendonitis patients, DPC physicians can provide the following services:
In order to determine the cause, type, and severity of tendonitis, DPC physicians can conduct a comprehensive physical examination and take a thorough history. For confirmation of the diagnosis and to rule out other conditions, they can also order and interpret lab tests, imaging, and other diagnostic tools.
It is possible for DPC physicians to prescribe and administer medications to reduce tendonitis pain and inflammation, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and corticosteroids. Aside from providing and teaching the proper rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) techniques, they can also assist with the healing process. Physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, or other modalities can also be recommended and referred to improve the affected area's function and mobility.
Patients can be informed about their condition, treatment options, expected outcomes, and potential risks and complications by DPC physicians. Additionally, they can provide advice and guidance on how to reduce or prevent tendonitis recurrence by modifying their activities, improving their posture, using ergonomic equipment, stretching and warming up before exercise, and strengthening and conditioning their muscles and tendons.
In person or remotely, DPC physicians can follow up and monitor the progress and satisfaction of patients. Furthermore, they can make any necessary adjustments or changes to the treatment plan based on the effectiveness and safety of the plan. Additionally, they can identify and address any side effects that may result from the treatment, such as an infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction.
If you engage in repetitive or strenuous activities, you may contract tendonitis, a painful and debilitating condition. Patients with tendonitis can also suffer from reduced quality of life and productivity. However, with the help of DPC, patients with tendonitis can receive more effective, affordable, and satisfying treatment.
DPC is a new model of primary care that offers patients unlimited access to their PCP for a fixed monthly fee, with no involvement from insurance companies or other third parties. Patients with tendonitis can manage their condition more comfortably and easily with DPC, and prevent or reduce the recurrence of tendonitis.
DPC can provide patients with tendonitis the opportunity to heal faster and better, and to live healthier and happier lives.
As Hippocrates, the father of medicine said,
“Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.”
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