While everyone is adjusting to life during a pandemic and staying at home as much as possible, one thing has stayed the same: people still need everyday medicine and healthcare. The question remains, how to get the care you need while the world is in crisis? From our view, as concierge primary care physicians, the telemedical feature of concierge medicine is the solution to this problem.
This article will talk about some of the benefits that concierge care provides during a pandemic. But first, we’ll define what exactly concierge medicine is, and how it differs from traditional primary care.
What is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge medicine is a different approach to primary care, where patients pay a membership fee for full access to their physician. Unlike traditional primary care practices, concierge medicine practices do not accept insurance — they operate entirely on membership fees. By eliminating insurance companies from the equation, the physician can focus entirely on the health and best interests of the patient.
Because concierge physicians are paid directly, they are able to carry a far smaller patient load than traditional physicians. As a result, they have the time they need to get to know their patients, personally and medically, and focus on long-term care that enables patients to live fuller, healthier lives.
This luxury of time — one very few physicians get to experience — suddenly, getting medical care becomes much easier and more relaxed. Appointments take as long as necessary and can be scheduled that same day. Patients can ask their questions and raise any concerns in a relaxed conversation without worrying about being cut off. Simply put, when your physician has more time to spend with you and on your health, you’re able to get the high quality, comprehensive care that you deserve.
Concierge Medicine is the Perfect Solution During a Pandemic
Of course, we believe that the personal attention and care enabled by the concierge medicine model is superior to traditional care, no matter what’s going on in the world. But the benefits of concierge medicine stand out even more during a pandemic. While many health systems are scrambling to set up telemedicine infrastructure, our practice is built upon the premise that patients should be able to get care at any time, by any means available. This means reaching out to your physician over text, email, phone call, or video chat.
People are terrified of going to doctor’s offices and hospitals right now, and that’s understandable. We should be limiting in-person interactions as much as we can. But, just because there is a pandemic doesn’t mean that you don’t need to take care of your health and any unrelated ailments you might have.
A pandemic doesn’t mean that your health suddenly isn’t important. In fact, quite the opposite. Because of the unique circumstances we’re all facing, taking care of your health is more important than ever. With telemedicine, you can get the care you need remotely, without ever leaving your home. This has been, and always will be, a core part of our practice.
With concierge medicine, it’s easy to reach out to your physician about any problems or concerns you have, and your physician can treat many issues over the phone, recommend an over-the-counter solution, or call in a prescription to your local pharmacy. Doing so frees up valuable resources at hospitals and urgent cares, while also limiting risk for those who can be treated remotely.
Additionally, if you do suspect that you might have coronavirus, telemedicine fills a crucial role in the next steps you need to take by providing remote screening for symptoms. We can determine if you’re likely to have it without ever coming into contact with you or making you leave your home, allowing you to self-isolate to prevent spreading the illness.
Over the phone, we can recommend you for testing, and check in on you to make sure you don’t need additional help. If you do need to go to the hospital, we’ll tell you the exact steps to take to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. We’ll be by your side — remotely — the entire time. Never be alone again.
