After One Month of DPC
Many have asked “how is the new office is going?” To save them a lengthy and potentially unwanted conversation (it has taken quite a bit of restraint on my part because I’m so excited), I typically just say, “really great. Thanks for asking.” However, I wanted to take a moment to blog my unrestrained answer the way that I truly desire to answer the question when asked.
Over the past month, I’ve done things as a doctor that I’ve previously never had the opportunity to do. AND IT FEELS SO GOOD.
I have been able to spend 30 minutes to 1 hour in the room with my patients. I love seeing their reaction after we address their “main issue,” and then I start delving into their many chronic issues just to be sure that those things are going well, too.
I’ve had my first (of what I hope to be many more) comments to the effect of: “this was the best doctor’s visit I’ve ever had in my life.” Here’s how that particular visit went and it is representative of all of our visits:
Patient arrived and didn’t wait or fill out any forms. He grabbed a bottle of water from our café on his way into the exam room (0 minutes)
Michelle roomed the patient, found out any concerns, and checked vital signs (5 minutes)
I entered the room. The patient did not wait at all. We then discussed all of his medical issues (approximately 6 of them) in great detail. We created a tailored plan to improve his medication list in the hopes to eventually consolidate medications. We discussed a dietary plan, future health risks and how to navigate those risks in light of his family history. Here is my favorite part: I was able to perform the most complete physical exam from head-to-toe that I have done over the past 8 YEARS because I finally wasn’t pressured for time. (35 minutes)
Michelle drew his blood work which consisted of: a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), lipid panel (cholesterol), HbA1c (blood sugar test), and PSA (prostate test). Since this particular patient was uninsured, those particular tests would have cost him over $1,000 at Kettering Health Network (price list referenced in hyperlink). We charged him $24 for that blood testing and he never had to go to the lab. (5 minutes)
While Michelle drew the blood, I refilled three of his chronic medications. We charged him $8 total for all three medications for a 90-day supply of each. He didn’t need to go to the pharmacy where he was paying a total of $70 for those same medications over a 90-day supply (0 minutes).
So, in summary, the patient was at our office for 45 minutes. He spent 35 of those minutes with the doctor getting all of his issues addressed and getting the best physical exam that I’ve done in 8 years. The other 10 minutes were spent getting all of his refills and lab work completed saving him a trip to the pharmacy and the lab. Not to mention, we saved him $62 on his medication refills and over $1,000 on his blood work. So yeah, maybe that’s why it was his best doctor’s appointment ever.
I’ve received my first harvest of vegetables (see picture) from an appreciative patient. I was able to address a concern about a potential medication side effect via text message conversation at 10AM on a Saturday morning.
We are working extremely hard to get patients access to medication assistance and free samples from our pharmaceutical reps/companies. Some of these medications can cost upwards of $1,000/month and we are successfully procuring these medications to offer them free to our patients.
In the month of September alone: We’ve had over 2,000 visits to our website and 60 inquires to join our practice! As you may or may not know, we are only taking 400 total patients into the practice. This may seem like a lot, but it is 10% of what a typical practice may have in their enrollment. We are doing this purposefully so that patients continue to have the quality and time that they deserve when it comes to their healthcare.
Our practice was featured on Dayton 24/7 now (FOX45) news broadcast. You can see the interview with Dr. Opperman here.
Patients with even the best insurance have found quite a bit of value in our practice. We were able to get a 5-month supply of a medication for one of our patients for $6. She was previously paying $50/month using her insurance. Her yearly prescription cost for that medication went from $600 to $15. Many of our well-insured patients find that the convenience of not going to the lab or pharmacy is worth the nominal cost. Additionally, we’ve been told that the cost of our lab testing in the office is cheaper than their co-pay at the lab!
I’ve been able to personally follow up with almost all of my patients via text message around 1-2 weeks after their visit was completed to find out how our treatment strategy has been working. It has been unprecedented for me to be able to manage patients in real-time versus having to wait for their 3-month appointments.
Alternatively, we’ve been able to avoid unnecessary office visits where patients would have ordinarily needed to take time out of their day for their office visit. A simple phone call, text message, or email and their simple issue was addressed. No need for me to bill the insurance company to generate revenue. No need for the patient to waste their time. Life is too short for that.
Direct Primary Care has been a complete game-changer in my life. I’m a happier and better doctor. I finally feel fulfilled as a physician through my ability to do complete and thorough work to the benefit my patients. For the first time in 8 years, I feel like I’m finally working to help my patients rather than working to get an extra dime of revenue though button clicking in the medical record or a meaningless survey. I feel like a doctor again instead of a data-entry clerk.
Grateful and Blessed.
Dr. Opperman
