The truth is, when it comes to long-term health, there is simply no substitute for a trusted physician who knows you, who has time to speak with you and hear your concerns, listen with empathy and provide counsel. Studies have shown that a strong doctor-patient relationship can be as effective as medication in managing illness.* This is because patients who know and trust their doctor are more open about their symptoms, more willing to discuss health concerns, and more likely to adhere to treatment regimens and the lifestyle changes their doctor recommends. Patients also have less stress and greater peace of mind knowing that their physician is looking out for them.
Unfortunately, that kind of relationship isn’t so easy to find these days. With a large aging population with high needs and a physician shortage, many doctors simply don’t have the time to foster that kind of open communication and trust. Many physicians practice in large medical groups that work hard to accommodate a high volume of patients by scheduling based on provider availability. These physicians can’t always personally track a patient’s progress from visit to visit. This kind of flexibility in scheduling is a wonderful convenience for acute or straightforward health issues, but oftentimes, especially for patients dealing with ongoing health concerns, it’s the cause of much frustration. No one wants to have to start from scratch explaining the context of their health history every time they go to the doctor.
That’s why so many Hilton Head residents are turning to alternative medical practices that keep small patient panels, allowing a physician to spend more time with each patient. Known as “membership medicine” or, more commonly, “concierge medicine,” these practices are designed to keep the patient’s needs first. Physicians in concierge medicine can schedule appointments for longer, allowing for multiple system checks at one time. They have time to provide lifestyle coaching and preventive health counseling that can keep patients on track toward health goals. Concierge physicians are more available by phone or even email, making communication and telemedicine easier and safer.
Most importantly, patients get the peace of mind of knowing that when they schedule an appointment with their doctor, they won’t see whichever provider at the practice has an availability. They’ll see the doctor who knows them. Their physician will also advocate for them with specialists, hospitalists and other health care professionals. And, in times of crisis like COVID-19, when many seniors were forced to be apart from their loved ones, these patients know their personal physician is only a phone call away.
Thomas P. Lenns, M.D. has a private concierge practice on Hilton Head Island that specializes in this highly personalized form of healthcare. He points out that this kind of medicine is part of a broad marketplace of options that patients can choose from. “Some patients, especially those who are younger and don’t have chronic health concerns, receive excellent, accessible and affordable care from clinics and large medical groups. But for other patients, having the option to choose a very personalized, private form of medicine makes more sense. Having choices is what is important. The patient gets to decide what kind of care would make them feel their best,” he said.
Concierge medicine practices generally charge an annual fee, which allows doctors to offer the extra time, support and service. The fee is dependent on the services each physician offers but is generally within range for area residents. “My patients are active seniors, grandparents, and working professionals. They want to feel their best for the long term and enjoy the benefits that come with good health. They put their health first and prioritize their concierge membership. It’s important to them,” Lenns said.
If you’re wondering whether you have a strong doctor-patient relationship, ask yourself these questions:
- 1. How much time is allowed for office visits? Is that enough time for you to feel at ease and open up dialogue?
- 2. Does your physician offer a comprehensive physical each year?
- 3. How easy is it to reach your doctor on the phone?
- 4. Do you see the same doctor each time you book an appointment?
- 5. Is it hard to get an appointment with your preferred healthcare professional?
- 6. Do you know the front desk staff at your practice? Do they know you?
If you feel like you could use more support and service, you can explore the membership medicine options that are available to you in Hilton Head. One place to start is visiting www.choice.md/south-carolina, or call (877) 888-5565.
*Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/doctor-patient-relationship-improves-your-health
