It is the beginning of the year and you have health insurance, right?  You chose a high-deductible plan because it was the best you could afford.  However, with a high deductible plan you essentially are likely going to pay for everything out of pocket unless you end-up having a medical event or surgery that puts you in the hospital. 

What is your strategy for your health?  Do you have a plan or will you just worry about it when it happens?  Let us play through a few scenarios and see which one seems to work better if you have a high deductible plan.

Scenario #1

It is Friday night and you start getting a headache and over-the-counter medications just don't cut it.  The Urgent Care is closed at 8pm and your choice is the ER.  You go to the ER and are seen your blood pressure is high and the cause of your headache.  After a CT scan, bloodwork and a long night in the ER.  Your health bill totals over $3000. 

Scenario #2

You cut your hand on Thursday morning making breakfast.  It is not a deep cut, but enough that you need stitches.  You to the local Urgent Care and they say they are unable to stitch you up because the cut it is located in a place the provider is not comfortable with, so they tell you to go to the ER.  You head to the ER and there is a long wait.  After about 4 hours and over $1000 later you are finally done.  You get an antibiotic to take to prevent infection, but you go to the pharmacy and it costs $70.  What choice do you have?  Do you need it?  Is there an alternative?  There is no one to call.

Is there another option?  You're a victim of the system what can you do?

There is another option.

Scenario #3

You had a headache a week ago and emailed your new DPC physician.  She reminded you to check your blood pressure and because it was high and you had no other issues she called in a higher dose of your medication and you came in to the office the next day at a convenient time for you.   She was able to quote you the price of your medication over the phone, so that it only cost you $4.  Today, you cut yourself with a kitchen knife.  You called her and you were in the office later that day and out in 30 min all stitched up.  You only lost 90 min at work.

The cost a Direct Primary Membership. 

Direct Primary Care Membership + a High Deductble Plan

Gives you COMPLETE coverage at a low fixed cost. (Like adding a "rider" to your insurance plan)

For less than $1500 a year (Less than the cost of 1 ER Visit)

• You get personal care on nights and weekends
• You get complete advice at the tips of your fingers thorugh email.
• You get care in your home or work through home phone calls and video visits
• You get the best deals in town on health testing because your DPC membership shops for them.
• You save on prescriptions because you and your doctor discuss the price before you leave.
• Your get a doctor who coordinates specialists and helps you sort through conflicting advice.
• Consider a long-term view of your health.  Add some kick to your health care plan.

Call about Direct Primary Care today!  

Dr Sharyl Truty MD is Physician Owner of Balanced Physician Care located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. She has been engaged in family medicine, sports medicine, acupuncture and orthopedics for almost 15 years in many different capacities.  Dr. Sharyl is Board Certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine, and fellow of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Arizona (Dr Weil) and a graduate of the UCLA Physician Acupuncture Program.  Please call 1-833-HEAL JAX to find out on how to become a member.