If America is going to provide insurance coverage for millions of more people than we do currently and we already can't handle the current load, then how in the world are we going to be able to do that? It seems so clear to me. The model must change and we must adapt to the reality. I think we could do it with a new model of care where the most common medical interaction is not one to one but one to many. Groups. Medical groups. Medical communities. Clans. That's what I learned in Fiji. Care can be delivered within a different model and one more suitable to caring for chronic issues. We can't continue to deliver care in the model we use; it does not work. People need more -- not more technology or more pharmaceuticals -- just more care and attention. Attention to their whole being. Thoughts, beliefs, feelings, longings. These all matter. This cannot be done with cramming in more one on one appointments. We will kill the doctors and our society. It is an entire paradigm shift -- a complete shift of values and priorities. But it is the way we are meant to be; our nature. We are pack animals craving our pack.
What do people need from their primary care doctor/practice? These are our goals at Pando: To deliver all of these with a kind heart . (1) Rapid access a. In person when necessary b. Via phone or email on an ongoing basis (2) Diagnosis, Treatment and Monitoring of acute and chronic problems with the current BEST practices (3) Close Follow-up after acute illnesses, ER visits; referral to superior specialty care when needed (4) Preventive Care a. Prophylactic Medicines, Screening Tests (Mammograms, Colonoscopy) b. Lifestyle Advice, Behavior Change Advice and Guidance with follow-up support (5) Meeting of non-medical needs ...
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