Concierge And Functional Medicine: Ways to Improve Your Health
Many people hate to visit the doctor because they feel they are nothing more than a number. The doctor rushes them in and out to see as many patients as possible. To avoid this, more people are transitioning to concierge medicine.
What is Concierge Medicine?
With concierge medicine, a person pays a flat annual fee. The fee allows doctors to see fewer patients and spend more time with the ones they have. How can a concierge and functional medicine practice improve a person's health?
Increased Access
Individuals who use a concierge practice can access their doctor around the clock. They no longer need to wait to be seen. The doctor can be reached by phone, text, or email. Patients appreciate having problems caught early, which helps them save money.
When patients need to visit the doctor in person, they know they won't be rushed. The doctor sets aside more time for each patient, typically 30 minutes or more, to get to know the patient better. Patients can discuss their health concerns so the doctor can create a treatment plan that meets their unique needs. The doctor tracks the plan to ensure it is working.
Personalized Treatment Plan
When creating the treatment plan, the concierge physician considers the patient's needs and goals. The goal is to prevent health issues and treat any that the patient already has. Patients find they need fewer costly medications and treatments.
Annual Physicals
Annual check-ups are part of preventing medical issues. During these check-ups, concierge doctors may request advanced labs or genetic testing so patients have a better understanding of their overall health and how they can improve it. Treatments are less expensive and more effective when health issues are caught early.
Coordinated Care
The concierge doctor serves as an advocate when a patient needs advanced care. They coordinate with any specialists called in to help the individuals to ensure the care is comprehensive and coordinated. This communication minimizes the risk of unneeded procedures and conflicting treatments.
Fewer Hospital Admissions
Concierge medicine patients spend less time in the hospital than their peers receiving traditional care. Their doctors focus on preventing health issues rather than treating them to avoid the need for hospitalization. The money saved on hospital visits offsets the cost of concierge care.
Functional Medicine
Many concierge doctors use functional medicine when caring for patients. They look for the root causes of illnesses and injuries rather than focusing on symptom treatment. Patients often find they don't need to be on medications long or pay high costs because they treat the underlying issue to eliminate the illness or injury.
Health Coaching
Many concierge practices offer health coaching and other lifestyle support to help patients achieve their goals. These services help patients find that the health improvements they make are sustainable, allowing them to enjoy better health while saving money in the long run.
Lower Healthcare Costs
People are often surprised to learn the cost of concierge medicine. However, the long-term savings easily offset the annual fee. The concierge doctor prioritizes prevention and early intervention so the patient spends less on expensive procedures and managing chronic diseases.
Every person should evaluate their healthcare needs and goals when deciding whether concierge medicine is worth the cost. Men and women who want personalized attention, unfettered access, and proactive health management will love this option. The same holds for people who want to build a relationship with their doctor rather than seeing different providers at each visit. Patients find they can improve their health and healthcare experience simultaneously, as concierge medicine offers a comprehensive approach to bettering health.
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