Two Sides to Every Story...
Recently, a friend of mine was tired of her doctor not listening to her. Her big complaint was her stomach hurt. This doctor never even examined her abdomen. He was in and out faster than a burger joint.
She told me she finally switched to the type of doctor Mary has and felt like someone finally cared.
Read on....
Mary's Story
Mary had always been a bit skeptical about the healthcare system, but as she got older, her concerns grew. She remembered the days when visiting the doctor meant being listened to, cared for, and understood. It wasn't just about getting a prescription; it was about trust and real medical care.
One rainy morning, Mary had an appointment with Dr. A, a physician known for her solo practice. As Mary stepped into the small, welcoming office, she was greeted by the friendly receptionist. There were no long waits, no rushed appointments. Dr. A, with her warm smile and gentle demeanor, spent almost an hour with Mary, discussing her health concerns, family, and life in general. This wasn't a typical healthcare experience; it was personal, attentive, and caring.
Dr. A ran her practice differently. She didn't rely on insurance companies dictating her time or care. Instead, she offered a Direct Primary Care model, where patients like Mary paid a monthly fee of $125. This allowed Dr. A to give each patient the time and attention they deserved. Mary could call, text, or visit Dr. A whenever she needed without worrying about extra charges. This model reminded Mary of the good old days, where her doctor knew her, her family, and her history intimately. And yes, she could see Dr. A has many times as she needed.
Robert's Story
Mary's experience with Dr. A was starkly different from her friend Robert's. Robert, a patient of Dr. B, faced the typical struggles of modern healthcare. Dr. B worked for a large healthcare company, where his salary depended not just on his medical expertise but also on how many patients he saw and how many tests he ordered. Robert often waited months for an appointment, only to spend a hurried six minutes with Dr. B, who seemed more focused on his computer screen than on Robert's concerns.
The pressure on Dr. B was immense. He had to juggle the demands of the healthcare system, pushing for higher productivity and more revenue-generating procedures. This often meant less time with each patient and more burnout for the doctors. It was a far cry from the meaningful, trust-filled relationships that doctors like Dr. A could offer.
One day, Robert confided in Mary about his frustration. He had been dealing with a persistent health issue, but getting a thorough check-up or even a follow-up call from Dr. B seemed impossible. The healthcare system felt like a machine, prioritizing profits over patient care.
In fact, Robert knew he was over billed for the visit. He called the billing department several times and could not get through. No one called him back. He told Mary he finally just paid the bill and gave up.
The Best of Both Worlds
Mary listened and then shared her experiences with Dr. A, explaining how the Direct Primary Care model worked and how it had changed her perspective on medical care.
Inspired by Mary's story, Robert decided to look into his options. He found a local Direct Primary Care doctor and switched. The difference was immediate and profound. His new doctor, much like Dr. A, took the time to understand his health issues, provided comprehensive care, and was always accessible. For the first time in years, Robert felt like he was truly being taken care of.
As Mary and Robert continued their journey through the aging process, they both realized the critical distinction between healthcare and medical care. Healthcare, in its current form, often seemed like a business, driven by profits and administrative costs. Medical care, on the other hand, was about the relationship between a doctor and their patient, grounded in trust, compassion, and time.
Mary and Robert’s experiences taught them the value of finding a doctor who prioritized their well-being over system demands. Whether through a solo practice or a Direct Primary Care model, they found that the key to healthy aging was having a personal doctor who truly cared. And with that care, they were able to navigate their health with confidence, knowing they were in good hands.
Both are now members of the Senior Freedom Club™ where we find these doctors for you. You will first be invited to tour the office, staff, and have an interview to be sure you and your new doctor are a good fit.
