Is a Doctor Call Service the Answer?
It takes 2 weeks or longer to see a primary care provider.
At quick glance, the major “Doctor Line” services appear quite valuable.
But what if you have a complicated issue or a chronic disease responsible for much of the healthcare costs?
In this case, the doctor on the line unconfidently diagnosis without seeing you and knowing your history. Then, he will cover for his lack of confidence by recommending that you make an appointment with a primary care provider following the call.
But, wait, didn’t you call to avoid that in the first place?!?!?
Better yet, conscious of the liability and without a physical location to handle complex issues, the doctor line ends up sending patients to the ER for precautionary purposes.
In the end, cost has increased and the patient’s trust has decreased.
Instead, wouldn’t it be nice to access your own personal care team 24/7 by phone, online, or face-to-face?