iHealth Clinic in Pittsburgh has been providing DAPC since July of 2019.
As a micro-practice that does not take insurance as payment, workflows are simple and efficient. Administrative work is minimal.
There is only one provider at iHealth Clinic so patients get consistent care with someone they trust.
iHealth Clinic improves patient access by offering convenient hours, walk-ins, low costs and never excluding new patients.
As a Micropractice
As the second highest cost in a medical office is additional staffing, iHealth Clinic eliminates this cost by using a Micropractice model. The physician does everything from greeting patients, IT, and cleaning.
By not billing insurances, iHealth Clinic is estimated to save $100,000 each year. Those savings go back to the patients. The time and energy saved by the Physician is also focused on the patients.
Moral injury can be damaging to a medical provider. Doctor Wong at iHealth Clinic has regained the joy in caring for those who need it using a DAPC model. Not having to work regularly with insurances saves time but also energy.
Traditional medicine can be full of distractions like insurance paperwork, quality measures, administrative work. DAPC focuses on what matters – the patient.
Practicing with the focus on the patient is what providers are trained to do and what they want to do. Eliminating distractions allow providers to take back control of their work and their calling.
We believe Direct Access Primary Care can lead to less burn out, happier and more productive providers while serving the community and improving patient care.
Interested in exploring Direct Access Primary Care? Find out if it is right for you.
Tell your provider or colleagues about Direct Access Primary Care. Make a difference.
iHealth Clinic integrates technology into patient care to promote efficiency and care.
Learn more about how things are going
Using a self-check in system allows patients to check in by themselves and input important information.
Average Time to check in:
New Patients - 7 min
Established Patients - 2 min
Using the athenahealth EMR, information quickly:
Input Time into chart:
Demographics – < 1 min
Medical Information – 2 min
Patients immediately sit on the exam table that functions as a chair.
By decreasing patient movement, medical visits are quicker and more efficient but also more convenient for patients.
The athenahealth EMR focuses on efficiency and allows quick documentation by using: Encounter Plans, Text Macros, Order Sets and Saved Findings.
Some visits can be completed by the time the patient leaves by using accelerators.
Patients do not have to move to a separate check out area.
Patients are given detailed written After Care instructions and have a chance to ask questions or clarify instructions with the provider.
Check Out time:
~1-2 min
Patients are able to ask simple question and request refills on a secure patient portal.
Better care first starts with providers having more time and energy to care for patients. DAPC emphasizes the provider-patient experience instead of administrative work.
DAPC improves access by creating a sustainable practice model. Some practices can charge only $35 per visit, allowing more to get care they need.
Patients love the concept of DAPC. It allows them to get care quickly, conveniently and with less financial barriers.
DAPC is an exciting new model in American Healthcare. If you have questions or just want to voice your support, reach out to us here:
