As politicians in Washington debate health care reform, most Americans remain trapped on the medical assembly line. Disgruntled doctors rush in and out of exam rooms. Patients don’t disclose concerns because they feel they’re imposing. Is there a simple solution? Yes!
Communities are designing innovative local models that work. Now, all across America, patients and physician are holding hands and jumping off the assembly line together!
I m a board certified family physician and I m one of the happiest physicians in America. Once I was so depressed that I dreamed of giving up medicine and returning to my college waitressing job. I was tired of interrupting patients while they were crying to say, Sorry, we re out of time when I really just wanted to ask, How can I help you?
Like many doctors, I was exhausted, angry, and depressed. Studies reveal most physicians are overworked and sixty percent want to quit. Some take early retirement, administrative positions or jobs with pharmaceutical companies. I chose to do something unconventional, something that doctors just don t do: I asked for help.
In December 2004, I held a town hall meeting and invited ordinary citizens to do something extraordinary create the medical clinic of their dreams. I asked my community to imagine, to dream, to vision. And they did. What would it look like, feel like, sound like to walk into an ideal medical clinic in an optimal healthcare system? From nearly 100 pages of submitted testimony, in poetry and prose, complete with doodles and floor plans, I incorporated 90 percent of public input and with no outside funding opened our community clinic one month later.
What does this ideal practice look like? The clinic is housed in a wellness center tucked in a wooded residential area. The center features yoga, massage therapy, counselors, and a solar heated, wheelchair accessible indoor pool/hot tub. The office, just a covered walkway from the pool, feels more like a living room with comfortable chairs, pillows and fun flannel gowns.
How does it work? With no staff I answer the phone and complete administrative tasks at my home business office. House calls and same day appointments are always available. Patients are seen three days a week at the community clinic and I m accessible 24/7 by phone.
How are we funded? Malpractice insurance is cut in half because I work part time. With no staff and a small office ($322/month), my reduced overhead allows leisurely thirty to sixty minute office visits. I bill most insurance and uninsured receive a 40 discount and have the option of bartering. I accept dog care, carpentry, home baked bread, and almost anything else patients offer. Most importantly, nobody is ever turned away for lack of money.
Thanks to my community, I love being a doctor. When patients arrive, I smile and greet them at the door. On random patient appreciation days, they receive chocolates and smiley face balloons. Even prizes are awarded for healthy behavior! For the first time my job description has been written by the people I serve. Welcome to the future of medicine: healthcare of, by, and for the people.
Author Resource:
For information on creating your own ideal community clinic go to http://www.idealmedicalpractice.org . Pamela Wible, MD is a board-certified family physician and nationally recognized innovator in patient-centered care who pioneered the community-designed ideal medical practice in Eugene, Oregon.
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