Making the Case for Direct Primary Care

I really dislike being in front of a television camera. Such was the case yesterday, when KHQ Local News 6 came calling at my office. They wanted a story on Direct Primary Care and, as one of their TV station competitors had already aired a similar story earlier in the week, they needed it now. It seemed to make sense to me, especially with insurance open enrollment for 2015 beginning the next day.

So of course I complied. We shuffled our schedule, rearranged and cleaned the office to make it look respectable, and even dressed up for the occasion. Melissa McElfish, president of Coeur d’ Alene based Energy Recruiting Services and one of our patients, agreed to make a guest appearance. And off before the camera we went…

The reporter was pleasant enough and asked thoughtful questions, and Melissa and I made a strong case for Direct Primary Care. We talked about the reasonable monthly charges without extra co-pays, the substantial discounts employers get for covering their employees, the convenience of medical care the same or next day, shorter wait times, uncrowded waiting rooms, longer appointment times with the doctor, accessibility to his services for urgent matters after hours, not having to see another practitioner for urgent needs, and the broad range of medical services provided under one roof.

Now I know from past experience what typically happens to these interviews… most of it ends up on the cutting room floor. But KHQ is not to blame. With all the benefits of being a Direct Primary Care patient, trying to adequately cover them within the confines of a busy, 30 minute TV show is a herculean feat.

When it’s all said and done, I am thankful for the coverage our practice model did receive, and I am even more grateful for your confidence and support as we begin our second year.

To your health,

Richard R. Samuel, MD, ABFP