Concierge medicine is transforming the healthcare landscape of modern-day treatment with its emphasis on patient-focused healthcare, disease prevention, and personalized attention. While there are many advantages to concierge medicine including same-day appointments and on-site specialist care, arguably the most important is the focus on preventative health. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability. However, according to the World Health Organization, 80% of chronic diseases are preventable. This is why disease prevention and having a personal doctor you can trust is more important than ever.
Disease Prevention with Concierge Medicine
The goal with disease prevention and concierge medicine is always to optimize health and reverse or prevent chronic disease. Chronic diseases —including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer— account for some of the most common health problems in the United States, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet many of these chronic diseases are preventable with better lifestyle habits and preventative care.
The CDC reports some sobering statistics about Americans:
- Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability.
- 70% of annual deaths are due to chronic diseases.
- These preventable conditions do not only compromise quality of life. They add to rising health care costs—75% of our health care dollars are devoted to treat these diseases.
Concierge Medicine Provides Better Overall Health Outcomes
Concierge medicine enables the physician to focus primary concern and attention on disease prevention, and to better manage health and wellness to optimal levels. A study measuring the impact of concierge medicine found that patients had lower hospitalization rates and better overall health outcomes. According to American Journal of Managed Care’s study, concierge patients were also better able to manage their conditions. The study showed 70% fewer hospital admissions when compared to patients in traditional primary care practices.
Preventative Care vs. Sick Care
One of the reasons concierge medicine patients like the system is because it’s not “sick care”. Sick care is the care you can expect to receive when you become ill or have an emergency. It is how our healthcare system is currently designed. After you get sick, the provider’s role is to administer a treatment to help you return to as healthy a state as possible. And while this type of restorative medicine is necessary, patients could avoid many illnesses and diseases in the first place if they received patient-centered healthcare such as concierge medicine—care with a focus on appropriate primary care and preventative measures including disease prevention. Because concierge doctors keep their patient count low, they generally have more time to work on preventative care than a traditional physician.
Is Concierge Medicine Right For Me?
Concierge medicine is for anyone who values additional one-on-one time, a personal ongoing relationship with their doctor and someone who truly has their best interest in regard to wellness at heart. Not someone who puts a band-aid on the issue, but gets to the underlying cause to find the best solution. In a world where people have to increasingly be their own health care advocates, it might be a welcome — and worthwhile — relief to have a concierge doctor who will take the time to explore every avenue of your health.
Disease Prevention in Chicago: Join Dedication Health
Concierge medicine is healthcare on your terms and on your time. Dedication Health is a concierge medical practice in Chicago. We go above and beyond to see that your needs are met, barriers to treatment are eliminated, and you stay as comfortable as possible in our care. We are always here to help you manage and maintain your health and prevent any trouble before it begins. Best of all, this higher quality of care is within reach for most people and we bill insurance. To learn more about our practice, complete our online form and we will get back to you ASAP. Additionally, you can reach us by calling 847-986-6770 now.
For more information about concierge medicine, check out the links listed below.
Personal Doctor: Seeing Same Doctor Every Time May Prolong Your Life