From my America Out Loud Pulse podcast with Kimberly Corba, DO – https://www.americaoutloud.news/exploring-direct-primary-care-with-dr-kimberly-corba/
Going to the doctor is a necessary inconvenience, or to some, a real pain in the neck, when we are sick. Waiting sometimes weeks for an appointment adds to the irritation.
Seeing a doctor can also be a pain in the wallet. Despite employers’ sponsoring most working Americans’ health insurance, in 2023 workers this year contributed $6,575 annually toward the cost of family premium – that’s $500 more than in 2022, with employers paying the rest.
Many large employers try to save on costs by having on-site clinics where employees can get blood tests, and basic primary care needs. These clinics have reduced the use of the emergency room and improved the overall health of the workers. This tool is now being adopted by smaller employers. Workers can be seen at a primary care clinic located near the workplaces for free versus an outside visit that is subject to a co-pay.
A troubling issue with standard health insurance is the allegedly free annual “wellness visit.” Patients are often charged for any discussion that veers from a yes or no answer to the screening questions. Real medicine is not a check-the-box endeavor.
Here is what a survey of patients who prefer independent doctors think:
- 78% appreciate the more personal relationship with their provider
- 60% trust these providers more
- 58% prefer to support locally owned businesses
- 57% say quality of care is higher
Unfortunately, it is getting more difficult to find and independent doctor. Over the last several years many physicians have either closed their private practice and started working for a health care system.
Some physicians have taken their independent practice a step farther. They have ditched insurance and are cash-based. One such model is called Direct Primary Care. The key word is “care”. The physician’s office is dedicated to patients, not health insurers. And where the patient is not a bean counter’s data point. Under the Direct Primary Care model, physicians can maintain a small, independent practice with less time on paper (computer) work and more time with their patients. In addition to time and individual attention, patients can rest assured that their private medical information stays within the walls of the doctor’s office.
My guest tonight will discuss her Direct Primary Care practice. And we will delve into the particular relevance of a strong, private patient-physician relationship as the world devolves into more turmoil.
To find a direct primary care physician:
https://aapsonline.org/direct-payment-cash-friendly-practices/
Bio
Dr. Kimberly Corba earned her medical degree from The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her Rotating Internship at Allentown Osteopathic Medical Center in 1994. After completing a year of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency at Temple University Hospital, Dr. Corba and then decided to pursue Family Practice and completed her Residency in 1997 at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. After practicing in the Lehigh Valley for 15 years, Dr. Corba opened the first Direct Primary Care office in the Lehigh Valley in 2016. She still finds time to mentor medical students and volunteer in many community activities for school, youth sports, and church.
