Welcome to the Atlas.md Direct Care curriculum
A simpler form of healthcare
Simple does not mean incomplete. Direct Care is a model of healthcare that goes back to the basics. Back to the basics of care — putting priorities back in order. Back to the basics of what docs got in the business for in the first place. Helping patients. The content of this curriculum will get you there.
How is Direct Care different from traditional healthcare?
Direct Care clinics offer modern healthcare, but typically don’t accept insurance. This allows the physicians to work directly with patients on payments – passing along savings such as wholesale prescription costs, in-house labs at no additional costs, and much, much more. In lieu of a fee-for-service model, patients pay a monthly subscription fee. The result is a stronger patient-doctor relationship built on trust and transparency.
However, there is flexibility. Variations of the Direct Care business model do accept limited forms of insurance, and most DC clinics recommend having a wrap-around insurance plan for emergencies. You can read more about how insurance fits into the Direct Care business model over here.
Features of Direct Care
Among the features of Direct Care are availability, flexibility, transparency, proactivity, convenience. Let’s take a closer look.
More availability
Direct Care physicians spend more time on fewer patients in order to provide them with better quality care. By limiting themselves to 500 or so patients, they’re available for those patients during a wider range of time – both in the evening and during the week. It’s not uncommon to see 24/7 availability from a Direct Care clinic. In addition, patients are offered same-day or next-day scheduling and extended visits that last a minimum of 30 minutes.
Different forms of availability
Direct Care physicians often utilize methods of communication that are more convenient for patients, including text and email. Without the restraints of HIPAA, physicians can use technology to build a stronger relationship with patients while continuing to keep information safe and secure.
Different places of availability
It’s not uncommon for a Direct Care physician to make a home visit should the patient feel more comfortable in that setting. The days of putting the patient first are back in the form of Direct Care. Direct Care physicians are as happy to make those house calls as the patients are appreciative to receive them.
Direct Care puts patients absolutely first in a world where customer service is not healthcare’s strong point. Learn the ins and outs of starting your own Direct Care practice here!