Dr. Josh took a minute out of his day to answer a question he’s been getting asked a lot lately: Why does’t Atlas MD just use the fee-for-service model that’s been the staple in healthcare? Listen to Josh explain the Direct Care Membership Model and why it makes sense.
Tag Archives: Direct Care
July 9, 2013
July 9, 2013
LINKS: Oh No, Everyone’s Worried About Doctor Shortages
First we came across an article in The Atlantic that discussed how doctor shortage could be the result of burnout caused by a lack of training in how to “deal with work pressures.” It was a stretch in our opinion, but we’re keeping an open mind. Unfortunately, we were not mentioned in the article as a force KEEPING doctors from retiring or getting out of practicing medicine altogether. Included within the article were some helpful links to leading publishers writing about doctor shortages. Thanks to the author Maureen Miller for directing us to this premium content.
Sunday Dialogue: Will Training More Doctors Improve Health Care? | The New York Times
One med student is one hundred percent behind insuring more Americans. Still, he asks, what’s the point if you can’t find a doctor. READ MORE
“How some states are addressing doctor shortages” | Yahoo News
An informative article comprised of blurbs about projected doctor requirements, current funding for programs, and other relevant info. It spans more than ten states including California, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, The Dakotas and more. READ MORE
July 9, 2013
Physicians Explore Their Decision To Practice Concierge Medicine
Back in May, Forbes reported that there were now approximately 4,400 physicians who were practicing concierge-style medicine. They define the term as “a form of primary care characterized by a retainer-style fee in return for enhanced access to physician care.” In an MD News article, Jennifer Webster questions what makes physicians decide to become concierge doctors, pondering if the trade-offs are worth it — for instance, things like handing out one’s personal cell phone number.
July 9, 2013
And Dr. Josh Is Quoted On Forbes.com, Again
One could say that Atlas MD is on fire, after recent media attention. But now Forbes contributor Dave Chase (left) has posted a new article on Forbes.com. He’s released an exclusive book excerpt from Engage! Transforming Healthcare Through Digital Patient Engagement. In his online article releasing an advanced read of a chapter he wrote, he’s included a quote from Dr. Josh:
“A good scalpel makes a better surgeon. Good communication makes a better doctor.” – Dr. Josh Umbehr
July 8, 2013
New Study Predicts that Majority Of Physician Practices Will Lose Money On Their EHR Systems
Dark Daily writer Patricia Kirk shares Michigan University research that suggests there are opportunities for physicians to make more money using EMR. However, a major factor that would theoretically help them make this proposed “money” includes using ONLY THE NEW EMR, not the new EMR in conjunction with pre-existing methods. Hmmm, so why would someone buy something to replace something, and then keep using the old thing? Oh right, the government paid them to buy it. We almost forgot.
July 8, 2013
MORE GREAT NEWS: Conservative Student Group Fights For Free Market In Medicine
StarTribune posted a timely article (Via Huffington Post) from Durham, North Carolina. They’re reporting on a “new conservatism” that’s taking root on some college campuses, fed in part by opposition to Obamacare. The groups are modeled after The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy, which according to the post “has molded several generations of legal thinkers at the nation’s law schools.” We’re excited to hear that this new wave of conservative thinkers wants to take root in graduate schools of business, foreign policy, and most relevant to our fight, schools of medicine like Duke University.
July 8, 2013
LINKS: Even With Meaningful Use, EHR Might Break The Bank
“Healthcare Observers Disagree on Cost-effectiveness of Electronic Health Record Systems” | Dark Daily
Along with the researchers at the University of Michigan, other experts have questioned EHR’s promise to deliver greater financial rewards. READ MORE
“If Practices Don’t Change, EHRs Lose Money” | Med Page Today
The average physician lost nearly $44,000 over 5 years implementing an electronic health record system, a large pilot study found, but the technology itself was just part of the reason. READ MORE
“A Survey Analysis Suggests That Electronic Health Records Will Yield Revenue Gains for Some Practices and Losses for Many” | Health Affairs (abstract)
This Health Affairs abstract will require membership. However, the title alone should be cause for concern. READ MORE
“Health Insurers Spending Big Dollars to Be Players in ‘Big Data’; Trend has Implications for Clinical Pathology Laboratories” | Dark Daily
With healthcare reform not likely to increase their growth, health insurers are expanding into data management to find new ways to make money. READ MORE
“New Study Predicts that Majority Of Physician Practices Will Lose Money On Their EHR Systems” | Atlas Blog
It appears that government intervention, while useful in certain cases (for instance, monopolies), can impede the marketplace. In EMR’s case it encouraged mediocre products to be bought and sold, costing money and wasting time overall. READ MORE
July 5, 2013
UPDATE: Prepare Your Practice For Atlas.md
Just a quick heads up for everyone ready to try out Atlas.md. We’re currently being certified by Quest laboratories to handle lab requests through our EMR. If you’re looking forward to using Atlas.md, we ask that you visit getmyinterface.com and complete the EMR Interface Request. Please indicate your desire to connect through Atlas.md. There is no other obligation besides filling out a simple web form.
We recommend filling it out now. This will expedite your ability to fulfill lab requests from Quest laboratories using atlas.md.
If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email.
June 29, 2013
Why Do 30% of Concierge Medicine Patients Want To Switch Practices?
Our industry’s trusty watchdog, Michael Tetreault over at CMT, conducted some helpful surveys to get to the bottom of patient dissatisfaction. He says, “… Most concierge medical practices maintain a very high patient retention average of approximately 92%-94%*…” But adds that patients are writing in weekly looking for new doctors in their area. So what’s the deal?
He then analyzed over 1,000 prospective concierge medicine patient search requests that were submitted to CMT’s website and he found that nearly 30% of patients are leaving one concierge doctor and seeking another. Something’s obviously wrong here. Patients are sticking with concierge medicine, but what’s forcing patients to leave one for another? It looks like it all comes down to the “front desk” so to speak.
June 28, 2013
Kake.com Covers Atlas MD and Shows The “Crazy” Truth of Direct Care Success
Empty waiting rooms might seem like an ominous forecast for a business. But not here at Atlas MD. We’re grateful that Kake.com came by to talk to us, and see us on a busy day, seeing about 4-5 patients. Along with our waiting room that had practically no one sitting in it all day, since they could come right in to see us upon arrival.
We’re compelled by Kake.com’s angle, communicating that we aren’t THE answer, but an option that is on the market. Again, it’s always nice to hear sensible journalism. It’s incredible how much it feels like you have to yell to get media attention these days. And generally it comes along with immediate opponents who make us sound like we’re the bane of patients seeing doctors, that we’re cursing people automatically to some lower tier where there won’t be any doctors left for them to see.