If you’re one of those people who find going to the doctor quite a chore, you want to get it over with as quickly as you can. However, considering how difficult it can be to even get past your doctor’s answering machine, how can you make this happen?
The simple answer is to see a primary care doctor who offers concierge medicine, a healthcare delivery model in which you pay a monthly, semiannual, or annual fee for round-the-clock physician access. “Round the clock” essentially means you can see your doctor for same-day appointments or you have their undivided time and attention 24/7.
This feature makes concierge medicine especially attractive, as it not only helps people save time but also cut costs without compromising their health. Read on to learn more.
Reduces or Eliminates Necessity for ER or Urgent Care Visits
According to research, it takes roughly 18 days for people to see a doctor after getting an appointment. In larger cities, it can take up to 24 days.
If you have a minor medical situation but one that still needs immediate intervention, there’s no way you want to wait 18 days, let alone 24. This leaves you with two unlikely options: going to the ER or visiting an urgent care facility. The problem with going to the ER is that it is also notorious for long waits and inconsistent care—not to mention, astronomical costs.
Patients in emergency rooms are treated according to the severity of their injuries or conditions, with those with life-threatening problems being given priority. This means you may need to spend hours in the waiting room for just a minor medical concern. After your condition gets stabilized, an ER medical provider may still point you to your PCP or specialist if they deem that you need ongoing care. The same thing goes for visiting an urgent care facility
With a concierge medicine doctor, you can enjoy convenient, highly efficient care and seamless care coordination. You can have most of your needs taken care of in one location and, should you need advanced treatment, your PCP can assist you with scheduling your visit with your specialist. Your concierge PCP can work in tandem with your specialist to assess the whole picture of your health as well as craft a suitable treatment plan.
Better Health Management
Research shows that patients with chronic conditions who are under the care of their PCPs, particularly those who offer concierge medicine, have significantly reduced risk of experiencing medical crises and, consequently, hospital admissions/ readmissions. These ultimately means lower healthcare costs.
Not only can you see your concierge PCP within the same day; you have at least half hour for each of your appointments, just enough time to comfortably talk to your doctor about your health concerns and get thoroughly checked. With more time at your doctor’s disposal, they are better able to provide you with comprehensive and effective care and steer your health in the right direction. This also minimizes the need for repeated visits or the worry of having to frequently take time from work.
Same-Day Doctor’s Appointment in Tucson, AZ
Dr. Robert Lending, a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in lipidology, offers concierge medicine as part of his commitment to providing the men and women in Tucson, Arizona and all of its neighboring places with comprehensive, convenient, personalized, and cost-effective health care.
Be one of Dr. Lending’s happiest patients today. Call us at (520) 795-4291 or simply request an appointment now. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality of primary health care!
