It’s not just about treating an illness or disease, rather good health refers to a complete mental and physical well-being. Most of the time, healthcare organizations focus on treating diseases, instead of providing holistic care services centered around the patients. The fee-for-service model is really inefficient and unsustainable as the USA spends more on healthcare than all other countries, still 30% of this spending goes to waste.
They do not prioritize preventative care, and it offers short-term savings, but there is a high risk of serious health issues in the future. Therefore, healthcare firms must change from a fee-for-service to an advanced primary care (APC) model. In this, caregivers build a positive relationship with patients and contribute to better health patterns overall.
What is Meant by Advanced Primary Care?
Affordable and high-quality healthcare has a huge demand in today’s industry as healthcare providers focus more on making money instead of their patients. Organizations can adopt advanced primary care to focus on improving their quality of care which keeps their employees happy as well as patients satisfied and healthy.
In this model of healthcare delivery, patients and their caretakers get access to elite-level care and services. Doctors and other caregivers are not bothered by a very high volume of patients and time constraints in an advanced primary care healthcare model. Mostly, wellness centers partner directly with care providers, paying them a monthly, fixed fee instead of individual fees for every service.
Benefits of Advanced Primary Care for Patients
Most healthcare providers are opting for APC to improve their patient care, reduce the high cost of healthcare services, and realign their organization’s priorities and objectives. Other than employees, patients must know about several benefits of advanced primary care for themselves.
Extended Hours of Service Access
Patients and their attendants get extended hours of care services in addition to the standard working hours of wellness centers or clinics. Patients can access a medical hub, building positive relationships with caregivers, getting in-depth knowledge of their condition, and the right medication on time. Also, they can have flexible appointment times so they aren’t affected by a high patient volume.
Access to Top-Notch Care Providers
In this model, there are several caregivers and healthcare providers to offer unique care solutions to patients, helping them take small steps towards recovery. All staff members have the required licenses and certifications to offer the best possible care to patients.
Also, they can offer telemedicine and virtual care if patients aren’t able to travel or visit the healthcare center. Healthcare teams coordinate and ensure a streamlined treatment and medication plan for patients.
Referrals to the Necessary Specialists
Sometimes, an illness, disease, or health condition may not be able to get treated at a particular center. In this case, organizations following the APC model are quick to refer patients to the necessary healthcare providers and specialists to get the treatment they need.
Delaying this and being late can lead to bigger health risks in patients, and it is necessary for care providers to act quickly in such situations.
Using Data to Cater to Specific Populations
Data gathered from different claims, user and patient surveys, EMR databases, etc. are leveraged by healthcare institutions to improve their advanced primary care model based on the requirements and needs of specific populations and regions.
It helps caregivers and other members to outreach and come up with personalized care delivery plans for patients and individuals. Leveraging technology and data ensures that healthcare providers offer cutting-edge care services to their patients.
Reduction in Overall Costs
As we know, healthcare costs are rising every single day, and it is getting hard for everyone to have access to the best patient care and treatments. With the APC model, organizations are able to reduce healthcare costs as they focus on a holistic, patient-centric treatment process instead of just curing their illness or diseases. In the long term, it prevents major diseases and reduces costs significantly.
Conclusion
No matter the size of your hospital or healthcare organization, it is essential to switch to an advanced primary care model to benefit both your patients as well as employees. There is no use of spending so much money if your patient care and treatment services do not improve.
You can look up to successful healthcare entrepreneurs like Careecia Porter Wallace for inspiration to run your healthcare organization and improvise your primary patient care strategy. Make sure to offer the best possible treatment and care services to your patients at genuine, affordable prices.