In a recent article, we discussed how Direct Primary Care (DPC) doctors utilize technology in different and more beneficial ways than doctors at more traditional practices do. DPC doctors are more inclined to communicate with patients via text or email and have more time to devote to developing the technology at their individual practice than other doctors do, and this serves as a huge benefit to their patients.

In this article, we’ll expand more on this topic and delve into how technology and the constant communication with doctors that DPC patients receive can provide better continued care, and in turn, more healthy and happy individuals.

It means that care continues, even after a doctor’s visit

Most people aren’t visiting their doctors office multiple times a week (or even multiple times a month!), so it’s normal to end the dialogue with your doctor once your sporadic appointments end. However, given the fact that DPC doctors take advantage of today’s technology and are in more constant communication with their patients, they are able to provide continued care in between appointments, which can help keep patients healthier overall.

When there is no level of communication in between office visits, care is episodic, and thus, doesn’t typically have the long-term effect on a patient’s health that it could. Patients being reached mobily, on the other hand, leads to more frequent care – specifically when patients most need it.

It provides real-time monitoring

Our mobile devices are truly incredible, as they allow us to easily record and monitor important information about our health in real time. DPC doctors and the ease of communication they have with their clients can easily take advantage of this information to attain a more holistic picture of a patient’s health and to ensure continued care in between appointments like we discussed above. Apps that track patients heart rate, daily step count, and blood pressure make it easier for DPC doctors to provide their patients with the best advice and care that they can.

It allows physicians to track trends

As we discussed above, the use of technology allows patients and doctors alike to collect information in real time about the overall health and wellness of individuals. In turn, doctors can track and record trends in the health of their patients, detecting patterns as well as gaining a clearer understanding of why patients have certain conditions or ailments.

This can help doctors go beyond the normal advice and mentoring that they provide to patients in their annual appointments, giving them a true glimpse into their physical habits and allowing them to better advise patients of how to achieve their optimal health, then staying in touch with them to ensure those habits are being correctly formed.

Clearly, the ease of access, adequate time, and willingness to utilize technology on a day-to-day basis helps DPC physicians to enhance the care that they provide to their patients.

DPC can be included with employer health plans as well as used by individuals.

Learn more about DPC is changing the patient experience for good.