"When you have health insurance, you are already paying twice. The first time you pay is when you pay your premiums, and the second time is when you pay anything in addition to those premiums, like co-pays, prescriptions, etc. Direct Primary Care is a way to decrease how much you shell out for the second payment, while providing high-quality, easily accessible primary care." - Rich Stamps, President & CEO
Dealing with the temporary pain and aggravation of a broken bone isn't easy but at least it's short-lasting. This is not true for high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other chronic conditions which have no "cure" in sight. Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, require ongoing medical attention and can significantly limit daily living activities. The health status of a person living with a chronic condition can improve, deteriorate, or shift in either direction.
We live in a stress-filled, fast moving world in which remembering daily / weekly tasks can be difficult. Whether you're a student studying (or cramming) for exams, a working professional interested in doing all you can to stay mentally sharp, or a senior looking to preserve and enhance your brain power, there are lots of things you can do to improve your memory and mental performance. It's a well known fact that a strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain.
When you go in for a visit with your primary care doctor, do you notice the crowded waiting room? Does the staff seem overworked? Does your doctor seem flustered? Well, these are all typical complaints of today's health care system.
Shockingly, however, you and your doctor are complaining about the same thing and many are seeking a solution in what's called "direct primary care."
In 2016, an estimated 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 595,690 people will die from the disease. Although a few patients diagnosed with cancer can attribute their illness to a hereditary abnormal gene, most people believe their cancer was a result of a DNA mutation possibly caused by a handful of external factors such as environmental radiation, toxins, and poor diet. However, this may not be the case, as some bouts of cancer may be linked to the manner in which cancer cells produce energy.
"Insurance-based primary care has grown increasingly complex, inefficient, and restrictive, driving frustrated physicians and patients to seek alternatives. Direct primary care is a rapidly growing form of health care that not only alleviates such frustrations, but also goes above and beyond to offer increased access and improved care at an affordable cost." - Dr. David Perkins
The way companies and their employees get access to health care is evolving quickly. Employers, employees and their families are starting to demand more convenient, on-demand access to health care. It is clear that this trend will continue, especially as today’s higher deductibles are causing increased consumer sensitivity to health care costs.
Research shows that memory loss can begin as early as your 20s, and it continues as you age. Thankfully, taking a few easy steps throughout your day can help you stay sharp. When you eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, you reduce your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, all of which are believed to contribute to memory loss.
Getting older is a natural part of life. As we grow older, we experience an increasing number of major life changes, including career changes, retirement, children leaving home, the loss of loved ones, and mental and physical changes as well. How we handle and grow from these changes is the key to staying healthy.
A common issue regarding healthcare today is that people feel that their doctor’s appointments are rushed. Many people say that they don’t get enough time to ask questions and, consequently, do not fully understand the instructions their doctor gave them. Everyone gets about 15 minutes of face time with their doctor (unless you're a member of a direct primary care practice), so it’s often difficult to remember everything you wanted to bring up or that was discussed. Being prepared beforehand with a list of questions for your next doctor’s appointment will help ensure a more productive visit and increase the potential for a more effective outcome. Use these tips to prepare yourself for your next office visit:
