Solving our Problems: Direct Primary Care
There are small changes we can make that will have exponential benefits to patients. This is one of them.
Note: I don’t want this to just be me retelling old stories from my past, but I want to use my stories to make change in society and empower patients to have better care. I’ve long felt that improving access to Direct Primary Care arrangements is something that can dramatically improve people’s health long-term and reduce the need for paramedics like me - making the entire system less expensive. I wrote this piece while reading the book “From Mutual Aid to the Welfare State” by David T. Beito. That book had a major impact on me, I have a few more pieces written with this book in mind.
History's cycles bring us full circle, unearthing potent solutions from the past that reverberate in our present reality. Nowhere is this more evident than in healthcare. We discover remarkable parallels between the community-oriented doctors of mutual aid societies in bygone eras and today's Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement.
A Journey to the Past: The Era of Mutual Aid
Transport yourself to the late 19th century, a time when a vibrant sense of community pulsated through society. Amidst rapid urbanization and societal shifts, mutual aid societies like the Elks and the Moose emerged as beacons of unwavering support. Driven by membership fees, these societies offered a plethora of benefits, with access to the society doctor being the crown jewel.
But these doctors were more than mere healthcare providers; they were integral members of the community. They knew the names of the children they vaccinated, the medical histories of the families they treated, and the intricacies of the community they served. This closeness translated into personalized healthcare, rooted in genuine concern and trust forged through relationships.
Harvesting the Fruits of Community Healthcare
The society doctors provided a holistic health experience:
A Personal Touch: Healthcare was not just an impersonal transaction; it was an immersive encounter. Doctors engaged deeply, offering preventive advice based on their intimate knowledge of family histories.
Affordability and Transparency: Through pooled community resources, medical care became accessible and affordable. No hidden fees or convoluted bills; clarity reigned supreme.
Accessibility: Nestled within communities, these doctors were always within reach, making medical assistance conveniently available.
Echoes in Modern Times: The Rise of DPC
As society evolved, the insurance-dominated healthcare model overshadowed the personalized touch of society doctors. However, the ember of personalized care never truly faded. Today, it blazes anew in the form of Direct Primary Care.
DPC, much like its historical counterpart, revolves around the patient. Physicians often limit their patient load, allowing for longer and more immersive consultations. The direct payment structure eliminates the convoluted layers of insurance, resurrecting transparency and often cost-effectiveness.
Bridging the Gap
Despite the compelling advantages, DPC has yet to achieve widespread ubiquity. The complexities of modern medicine, entrenched insurance systems, and limited awareness all play their part. However, as more individuals yearn for a healthcare system that recognizes them as people rather than mere statistics, the DPC model gains momentum.