Dr. Bartlett Switches to Direct Primary Care for Longer Patient Visits
Dr. Heather Bartlett, now practicing at The Bartlett Medical Clinic & Wellness Center, has transitioned to direct primary care, citing issues with traditional insurance-based practices. This shift allows her to spend more time with patients, up to 20 minutes per visit, compared to the typical 10 to 15 minutes.
Direct primary care is gaining traction among doctors, with a growing number opting out of insurance companies to work directly with patients. This model reduces costs and administrative burden, enabling doctors to focus on patient care. Dr. Bartlett's practice, for instance, charges an annual or monthly fee, providing unlimited office visits, 24/7 access, and same-day appointments. The average fee ranges from $25 to $85, with some practices offering tiered membership levels based on age and needs.
Longer visits enable doctors to gain a broader understanding of their patients' health. Dr. Bartlett can now provide better care through phone consultations, text messages, and Skype. Direct primary care practices typically have fewer patients, around 800 to 1,000, compared to traditional practices with 2,000 to 3,000 patients. This allows for better work-life balance for doctors and more personalized care for patients. Additionally, direct primary care practices offer price transparency and may provide inexpensive medications and negotiate better rates for lab tests and other services.
While direct primary care offers numerous benefits, such as longer visits and better work-life balance for doctors, it's not without its challenges. The lack of extensive research and the need for heavy upfront investment and community education are potential downsides. Nevertheless, Dr. Bartlett's switch to this model reflects a growing trend among doctors seeking to improve patient care and reduce administrative burdens.
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