In another classic case of confusion, Dawnielle Robinson-Walker, just couldn’t figure out the difference between concierge medicine and DPC. Where have we seen this before? Oh, yeah, I wrote a whole piece called:
What is the Difference Between Direct Primary Care and Concierge Medicine?
To be fair to Dawnielle, she was very positive about DPC and what we are doing:
Can you remember the last time you scheduled a same-day appointment with your doctor? No wait or quibble over a copay or deductible when you arrived at the office, and then you and your doctor discussed the stress of your new job and alternatives to anxiety medication? No? Neither can I. However, that experience does exist in the world of concierge medicine.
There was a DPC doctor mentioned in the article, that being Troy Burns, M.D., founder and medical director of ProPartners Healthcare, a direct primary care practice in Overland Park, Kansas. Here’s his quote:
“In a busy insurance-based primary care practice, you don’t have enough time with patients,” says Troy Burns, M.D., “Doctors are paid for how many people turn the turnstile.” Unsurprisingly, people who choose traditional primary care are frustrated with the lack of access to their doctor. “They love their doctor but hate the office,” he says.
Well, said, Dr. Burns!
Honestly, I think the author did us right here. She could fix a few things. She also could explain that many Concierge Medicine practices still bill insurance while DPC offices do not. She could also explain that DPC is the affordable version of this type of care. In fact, this article could have been titled What Is Direct Primary Care And Is It Worth The Price Tag?
And the answer would be YES!