The landscape of healthcare is constantly evolving, and Albuquerque (ABQ) is no exception. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the way healthcare professionals are choosing to practice, with many making the transition to concierge care.
This shift brings about significant changes in the healthcare landscape of ABQ, and it's important to understand what it means for you as a patient or business owner. In this article, we'll explore the growing trend of healthcare professionals switching to concierge care and its implications for the ABQ community.
One of the primary reasons healthcare professionals are switching to concierge care is the desire to offer more personalized and patient-centric care. In the traditional healthcare model, healthcare professionals often find themselves overwhelmed with large patient loads, leaving limited time for individualized attention.
Concierge care allows healthcare professionals to significantly reduce their patient-to-provider ratios, meaning they can spend more time with each patient. This leads to a more in-depth understanding of patient needs, more personalized care plans, and ultimately, better healthcare outcomes for you.
This continuity of care also gives more room to create proactive preventive measures. Within this model of care, patients and healthcare professionals work together to establish wellness plans and set health goals. Regular check-ins and follow-ups ensure that preventive screenings and vaccinations are up-to-date, reducing the risk of chronic conditions.
Finally, when health issues arise, patients have direct access to their trusted healthcare professional, often with minimal wait times. This immediacy in care can be critical, especially for acute conditions or emergencies.
Access to healthcare is a concern for many individuals in ABQ, especially in underserved communities. The transition to concierge care has the potential to improve access to healthcare for all.
While concierge care typically involves a membership or retainer fee, it also often includes benefits like same-day or next-day appointments, longer consultation times, and increased availability through telemedicine. For many patients, this means quicker access to healthcare services and reduced wait times for appointments.
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Concierge care providers have the flexibility to emphasize preventive care and wellness initiatives. They can take a more proactive approach to your health by creating personalized wellness plans, offering routine check-ups, and focusing on early detection of health issues.
This shift toward preventive care can lead to healthier lifestyles and reduced healthcare costs in the long run for you as a patient.
If you're a business owner in ABQ, the shift toward concierge care has implications for your employees' healthcare. Many concierge care providers offer tailored and cost-effective solutions for businesses, including employee primary care programs. You can save on a lot of fees per employee because you eliminate insurance fees (for visits, labs, and more), since these providers do not accept insurance.
These programs often include a range of benefits, such as comprehensive healthcare services, on-site visits, wellness programs, and 24/7 access to healthcare professionals.
Offering concierge care as part of your employee benefits package can help attract and retain top talent while ensuring the health and well-being of your workforce. And it doesn’t just stop there! It also reduces company downtime, helping you become significantly more competitive while on the lookout for the top talent you need.
The transition of healthcare professionals to concierge care can positively impact ABQ communities. By offering more personalized and accessible care, concierge care providers help strengthen local healthcare networks.
Patients who receive timely and comprehensive care are less likely to face health complications, reducing the burden on emergency rooms and public healthcare facilities. This shift can ultimately contribute to healthier and more vibrant communities in ABQ.
Within this model, healthcare professionals invest valuable time in sitting down with patients to elucidate their medical conditions, the array of options available, and outline potential outcomes. This personalized approach fosters a robust healthcare partnership, ensuring that patients are well-informed about their healthcare journey.
Beyond addressing existing illnesses, concierge care providers collaborate closely with patients to craft personalized wellness plans. These encompass multifaceted recommendations encompassing a healthy lifestyle, spanning dietary choices, exercise routines, stress management techniques, and preventive screenings. Patients are not only informed but educated on how their day-to-day lifestyle choices can profoundly impact their health.
The transition of healthcare professionals to concierge care is reshaping the healthcare landscape in ABQ. It brings a host of benefits, including more personalized care, improved access to healthcare, a focus on preventive care, and tailored solutions for businesses.
As a patient or business owner in ABQ, it's essential to stay informed about these changes and explore how concierge care can benefit you. Whether you're seeking more attentive healthcare for yourself or considering concierge care as an employee benefit, this shift represents a positive change in the world of healthcare in ABQ.
Reach out for a free consultation today and discover how concierge care can elevate your healthcare experience or enhance your business's healthcare offerings.
Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right. However, various factors often create gaps in the healthcare system, leaving individuals with limited options or long waiting times for medical services.
These factors include disparities in access to medical facilities, shortage of healthcare providers, socioeconomic inequalities, geographical barriers, complex insurance processes, and overwhelmed public healthcare facilities.
Concierge medicine, a personalized model, is emerging as a solution to bridge these gaps and provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. It’s making a positive impact by addressing the challenges in the conventional system.
Concierge medicine, also known as membership medicine or boutique medicine, redefines the patient-doctor relationship. Unlike the traditional fee-for-service model, concierge medicine involves a direct financial arrangement between the patient and the healthcare provider.
Patients pay a membership fee or retainer, which grants them enhanced access to their doctor's services.
This model enables healthcare providers to offer more personalized care and spend additional time with each patient, focusing on preventive measures and comprehensive health management.
The reduced patient load allows doctors to offer same-day or next-day appointments, longer consultation times, and more proactive healthcare planning.
One of the significant challenges in the conventional healthcare system is long wait times for appointments. Patients often have to wait weeks or even months to see a specialist or receive non-urgent medical care. Retainer-based medicine addresses this issue by prioritizing timely appointments and immediate access to healthcare services.
In ABQ, where the demand for healthcare services can sometimes outpace the available resources, concierge medicine provides a valuable alternative. Patients who opt for concierge healthcare experience significantly reduced wait times, ensuring that their medical concerns are addressed promptly.
Boutique medicine emphasizes preventive care as a cornerstone of healthcare. Doctors in this model have the freedom to dedicate more time to understanding their patients' medical histories, lifestyle habits, and individual risk factors. This allows for the development of personalized wellness plans and early detection of potential health issues.
In Albuquerque, where chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease are prevalent, this proactive approach can make a substantial difference in improving overall community health. By addressing health concerns before they escalate, concierge medicine contributes to healthier lifestyles and reduces healthcare costs in the long run.
Clear communication between doctors and patients is essential for accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Concierge medicine encourages open and meaningful communication. Doctors have the time to listen attentively to their patients' concerns, answer questions, and explain treatment options thoroughly.
Cultural diversity and varying health literacy levels can sometimes hinder effective communication in any part of the world. But with membership medicine, patients have the opportunity to build stronger relationships with their doctors, leading to better health outcomes and a more positive healthcare experience.
ABQ's healthcare landscape is unique, with a blend of urban and rural areas and a diverse population. Concierge medicine offers a flexible and adaptable approach to meet these needs. It allows doctors to tailor their services to the specific requirements of residents, ensuring that every patient receives the attention and care they deserve.
As concierge medicine gains momentum it has the potential to fill the gaps in healthcare services, particularly in underserved or remote areas. Patients who previously struggled with limited access to medical care now have the opportunity to receive comprehensive and timely healthcare through concierge medicine providers.
Albuquerque is renowned for its cultural diversity, with a rich tapestry of ethnicities, languages, and traditions. However, this diversity can sometimes pose challenges in delivering effective healthcare due to varying cultural beliefs, health practices, and language barriers.
Concierge medicine's personalized approach allows doctors to delve more deeply into the cultural backgrounds of their patients. By understanding cultural beliefs and practices related to health and wellness, doctors can provide recommendations that better align with their patients' cultural values.
Moreover, multilingual healthcare providers and culturally informed communication strategies are helping bridge the gap of understanding, ensuring that every patient receives accurate information and feels comfortable discussing their health concerns.
Through this culturally tailored approach, it is not just providing medical care; it's fostering trust and understanding between doctors and patients, and ultimately improving health outcomes across ABQ's diverse population.
While boutique medicine is often associated with individualized care within a clinical setting, its impact can extend far beyond the walls of a medical office.
In ABQ, where community health and well-being are of paramount importance, this model is taking on a new role as a catalyst for community health initiatives.
By actively participating in health fairs, workshops, and outreach programs, concierge doctors are equipping residents with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Furthermore, its flexibility allows doctors to conduct on-site visits for those who may have difficulty accessing healthcare facilities due to mobility issues or transportation challenges. This approach not only addresses individual health needs but also contributes to the overall well-being of the community.
Through these innovative community partnerships and initiatives, concierge medicine is becoming an integral part of ABQ's efforts to create a healthier, more informed, and empowered society.
By acknowledging and adapting to patients' cultural backgrounds, healthcare professionals are encouraging an environment of trust, understanding, and collaboration, making healthcare a truly collaborative effort.
Moreover, the impact of retainer-based medicine extends beyond the doors of a clinic. Through community partnerships and initiatives, we can help champion health education and preventive care in local neighborhoods, contributing to the overall well-being of ABQ's diverse population.
Healthcare needs evolve over a lifetime, and specialized care becomes increasingly important as individuals transition through different stages of life.
In Albuquerque (ABQ), as in many other places, the healthcare landscape is recognizing the significance of tailored medical services for two distinct groups: pediatrics and geriatrics. Concierge medicine is emerging as a transformative approach to address the unique needs of these diverse age groups.
The early stages of life are critical for establishing a foundation of good health. Pediatrics, the branch of medicine dedicated to children's health, requires specialized expertise and an approach that recognizes the unique requirements of growing bodies and developing minds.
Boutique medicine in pediatrics involves close collaboration between parents, children, and healthcare providers. Pediatric concierge care offers extended appointment times, ensuring ample opportunity for parents to discuss concerns and ask questions. This unhurried approach fosters trust and understanding, allowing healthcare professionals to gain a comprehensive view of a child's health.
For parents in ABQ seeking the best possible care for their children, pediatric membership medicine offers timely access to medical services, prompt sick visits, thorough preventive care, and proactive health monitoring.
By nurturing a strong doctor-patient relationship from the early years, pediatric concierge medicine sets the stage for a healthier future for the youngest members of the community.
As individuals enter their golden years, their healthcare needs undergo significant changes. Geriatrics, the medical specialty focused on the health and well-being of older adults, plays a crucial role in ensuring a high quality of life during this stage.
Geriatric boutique medicine goes beyond traditional medical care by addressing the multifaceted aspects of aging. In ABQ, a city with a notable aging population, geriatric concierge care providers give comprehensive health assessments, personalized care plans, and ongoing support to navigate the challenges that come with aging.
One of the key benefits of geriatric concierge medicine is the emphasis on continuity of care. Patients build strong relationships with their healthcare consultants, ensuring a deep understanding of their medical history, chronic conditions, and individual preferences.
This knowledge enables concierge professionals to make informed decisions that align with a patient's unique health goals.
Seniors in ABQ deserve not just medical attention but also companionship and emotional support. Geriatric concierge medicine addresses these needs by offering regular check-ins, medication management, assistance with navigating complex healthcare systems, and even in-home visits when necessary.
This level of personalized care enhances the overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in Albuquerque communities.
The aging process often brings with it concerns about cognitive health and the potential onset of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Geriatric concierge medicine plays a critical role in addressing these concerns through a proactive and individualized approach.
Healthcare professionals specializing in geriatrics conduct comprehensive cognitive assessments that delve into memory, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. With these insights, personalized interventions are developed to support better cognitive health.
This could include cognitive exercises, lifestyle modifications, and recommendations to engage in social activities that stimulate the mind.
By addressing cognitive health within a personalized and holistic framework, geriatric concierge medicine can help seniors maintain their mental acuity and emotional well-being, promoting a higher quality of life as they age.
The beauty of retainer-based medicine lies in its adaptability to the diverse needs of different age groups. In a city like ABQ, where the population spans generations, concierge medicine is a means of bridging the healthcare gap for your employees and their families.
From newborns to seniors, concierge medicine ensures that individuals receive the attention, care, and support they need at every stage of life. This approach not only enhances health outcomes but also fosters a sense of trust and reassurance in healthcare services.
As ABQ continues to evolve as a city, embracing concierge medicine for pediatrics and geriatrics is a promising step towards a more inclusive and comprehensive healthcare ecosystem. Through this tailored approach, every member of the community can access the care they deserve and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
Concierge medicine recognizes that a healthy lifestyle is a cornerstone of wellness, regardless of age. Nutrition and lifestyle counseling form a pivotal part of this approach, aiming to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to make more informed decisions about their health.
Concierge professionals take the time to understand each patient's dietary habits, activity levels, and individual health goals. They then provide tailored nutrition plans, exercise recommendations, and practical strategies for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Whether it's addressing childhood obesity, guiding adults in managing chronic conditions, or helping seniors stay active, this personalized counseling fosters healthier habits that have a positive impact throughout life
Boutique medicine's family-centered approach is a testament to its flexibility and inclusivity. This model recognizes that health is interconnected across different generations and offers care that spans the entire family spectrum.
Family-centered care involves a single healthcare professional attending to the diverse needs of multiple generations within a family. This fosters a sense of unity and collaboration, allowing families to collectively address health concerns, share medical histories, and create comprehensive wellness strategies that consider everyone's well-being.
From newborns to seniors, family-centered care through this healthcare model bridges generational gaps, nurturing a holistic approach to health that is rooted in understanding, communication, and collective wellness goals.
In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the concept of one-size-fits-all is becoming obsolete. This article has unveiled the transformative potential of concierge medicine in catering to the unique needs of both pediatrics and geriatrics in Albuquerque.
From comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care for new mothers to addressing cognitive health in seniors, and from personalized nutrition counseling to family-centered care that bridges generational gaps, membership medicine stands as a beacon of individualized healthcare.
Businesses looking to enhance their employees’ well-being now have a remarkable opportunity at their fingertips. By partnering with boutique medicine providers, they can extend these tailored healthcare benefits to their workforce. This isn't just about routine medical check-ups, it's about creating and supporting a culture of well-being that empowers employees to navigate various life stages with confidence.
Invest in a healthcare solution that resonates with the diverse ages and stages of your workforce. Empower your employees with retainer-based medicine's personalized care, which is built on the foundation of understanding and collaboration.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Employees may develop chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. When left unmanaged, these conditions are among the top leading causes of death in New Mexico and the US. Chronic health issues and their complications also reduce employee productivity…not to mention time lost from going to the doctor.
A direct primary care (DPC) provider offers accessible healthcare. It benefits your employees in many ways:
Well Life Family Practice, a DPC provider, offers accessible healthcare. It is timely and leads to the best health outcomes. Your employees get the proper healthcare, where and when they need it. Our qualified and competent staff provide healthcare services at their call.
These employee services are included in a flat monthly membership fee:
There may be times when your employees have an urgent or semi-urgent healthcare need.
Unfortunately, your employees are forced into high-cost urgent care or emergency rooms in the current healthcare system. With the Well Life Primary Care Program, your employees can skip the high costs, long wait times, and disjointed care. They can be seen by their very own primary care provider.
As a result, they get seen promptly and get back to work feeling better and ready to work.
There may be times, though, that your employees can’t visit our clinic. In this case, they can schedule a virtual consultation with us.
Is the quality of care comparable to face-to-face clinic visits? There are upsides and downsides to telemedicine, based on two 2021 studies.
A study led by the University of Cambridge shows the benefits and risks of telemedicine among people with chronic diseases. The key finding reveals that 86% of clients and 93% of medical practitioners said it was worse than face-to-face consultations. The reason was the inaccuracy of assessment or a misdiagnosis.
The researchers concluded that healthcare provider training could improve safety and acceptability. It also helps to offer options for clients.
In contrast, another study reveals that online consultations are acceptable, convenient, and effective. The researchers identified challenges like identity verification and online interface. However, both patients and medical practitioners found satisfaction in the online consultation.
Since a medical practitioner has fewer clients, more time is spent with each client. It is one of the advantages of direct primary care compared with traditional care. DPC sees a client for about 40 minutes compared to 10 minutes in traditional care.
We provide personalized and patient-centered approaches. It means your employees spend more time with our medical practitioners. We engage with your employees and empower them to decide on the best modality that suits them.
They get a comprehensive assessment of their medical concerns. Additionally, we discuss the appropriate lab tests, medications, and therapies.
If they seek healthcare without leaving their work or home, they can do so. We have a 24/7 telemedicine facility they can call for acute care. They can talk to our healthcare representative about any immediate medical concerns.
Telemedicine provides remote access to healthcare, especially for people in rural areas. A 2020 narrative review shows telemedicine continues to provide quality accessible healthcare solutions.
It works well as it maintains social distancing in the pandemic. In addition, the review reveals that telemedicine appointments can be as good as face-to-face clinic visits.
Access to healthcare impacts health and well-being. Reliable access to healthcare services is vital for three reasons.
Early detection is the key to preventing chronic diseases or the progression of a severe illness. Studies found that clients with chronic diseases under DPC have fewer recurring health concerns. As a result, there are fewer ER visits.
Moreover, obesity can be mitigated through early prevention. Obesity contributes to the leading causes of chronic diseases and premature deaths in NM.
Based on a 2018 survey, the rate of overweight adults in NM is very close to the national average. Obesity by itself can be considered a chronic disease. However, comorbidities or multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension add to the financial burden.
Access to healthcare allows obese adults to seek nutrition and weight loss counseling. These prevention activities are included in a DPC’s monthly membership fee.Other prevalent chronic diseases in Bernalillo County include asthma, lung cancer, and arthritis. These medical conditions can be prevented through counseling, annual medical exams, and labs.
It increases care and health outcomes, especially if your employees have chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. We offer chronic disease management to help them cope with the challenges of their disease. They have access to consultation, education, and follow-up care.
Health-related quality of life refers to physical and mental health. Access to healthcare improves both conditions through proper health monitoring.
For example, your employees’ high blood pressure is maintained, or their blood sugar levels are controlled. Thus, they continue to stay healthy without feeling the symptoms of their chronic condition.
As a result, their physical and mental state affects the other aspects of their lives. Quality of life includes employment, housing, social relationships, and community. It’s an encompassing concept that extends to spirituality, belief, culture, and values.
Premature death can be brought about by many factors. New Mexico’s top causes of mortality are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Most of these medical conditions are preventable. Access to healthcare, as earlier discussed, helps manage these chronic conditions.
Regular check-ups, diagnostics and labs, and health education contribute to keeping you healthy. For people with hypertension or diabetes, access to healthcare can reduce their risk of premature death.
Poor health is associated with absenteeism, presenteeism, and job loss. It can equate to a loss of income for you, due to your employees’ reduced productivity.
For instance, your employee can’t report to work because their blood pressure may be 180/110 with dizziness and a headache. A day’s absence due to your employee’s chronic disease can affect work and your business, too.
A study found that absenteeism ranged from one to two days per employee per year, depending on the chronic disease. Results of the study show absenteeism per employee cost about $16 to $81 for small employers and $17 to $286 for large employers per year. In another study, the cost of absenteeism was $520.
It’s a substantial loss for your employees, who incur lower income. And it affects your business due to lower productivity.
For instance, your employee, John’s blood sugar level registers at 180 mg/dL in the morning. John still makes it to work, but he feels tired and nauseous with a racing heartbeat. He is physically present at work but not functioning as expected.
John’s presenteeism can cost you a lot.
Based on a study, presenteeism significantly exceeded combined costs of absenteeism and medical treatment. For example, according to a study among Japanese employers, the cost of presenteeism due to chronic diseases was $3,055.
In another US-based four-year review, the researchers identified 22 specific health conditions associated with presenteeism. These health conditions resulted in daily productivity loss. It includes NM’s top chronic diseases - heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Specifically, heart diseases are risks linked to presenteeism. A study among 6,047 employees suggests access to healthcare services to prevent the cost of presenteeism.
Your employees are at risk of financial insecurity when left unhealthy. They can lose their job because of the severity of their chronic condition. It happens when they’re sick often and don’t have proper healthcare services.
Unemployment is possible on top of incidental expenses. Medical expenses include medications, tests, procedures, and supportive therapies.
Unhealthy behaviors contribute to disability and unemployment. Some of these behaviors are smoking and poor diet among people with chronic diseases. At the same time, employees undergoing medical treatment are at risk of job loss.
Job loss worsens your employees’ chronic disease and increases their risk of mental problems. It can result in anxiety, depression, or even suicidal ideation in the long term.
Researchers suggest the importance of the workplace environment. They derived their suggestion from a qualitative study among people with chronic diseases from seven European countries.
They said the workplace could adapt to the needs of people with chronic diseases to allow them to function or return to work for good.
Adapting the work environment helps people retain or go back to their job. Another solution is access to healthcare, such as health promotion. It provides employees resources in choosing activities for a healthier lifestyle.
Hypertension and diabetes are two of the leading chronic diseases in New Mexico. It can cause absenteeism, presenteeism, and job loss. Access to healthcare manages your employees’ chronic disease(s). It can prevent the progression of their condition or the development of a severe illness. In addition, it can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of early death.
Access to healthcare services includes same-day appointments, telemedicine, virtual consultation, and quality consultation time. It leads to healthy employees, lower medical costs, and better productivity.
Well Life Family Practice offers comprehensive healthcare services for you for only $75 per month.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – “I’m hypertensive and a diabetic with high cholesterol levels.” Sound familiar? Your employees are among many New Mexicans (NM) who journey through life with chronic conditions. Over 23% of NM adults aged 45-65, to be exact, have been diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions.
Direct primary care (DPC) offers chronic disease management for your employees. But they need a care plan to begin with. A DPC care plan is important. It ensures they receive the proper healthcare based on their needs and preferences.
What are the benefits and impacts of a care plan for your employees’ health?
A care plan is a personalized plan of care. It consists of health goals, strategies, and timetables. It identifies the people involved in the care interventions. Finally, a review or report serves to assess and monitor health progress.
A care plan is different from individual to individual. But it has the same five purposes:
You employees and a healthcare provider, or we, collaborate to develop the care plan. It is customized based on their specific needs, particularly if they have a chronic illness.
A study notes primary care settings are most effective in managing the chronic disease of people in their communities. For example, the Assessment of Chronic Illness Care tool was developed in 2000. It has been helping primary care providers deliver care for people with chronic diseases. It works well for diabetes and cardiovascular care outcomes.
DPC develops your employees’ personalized care plan, inclusive of the monthly fee. It costs only $75 and is offered by a DPC provider, Well Life Family Practice. It comes with other healthcare services in addition to chronic disease management.
Your employees are eligible for a care plan if they have had illnesses for the past six months or longer. Some of these medical conditions include the following:
Most of these chronic conditions are prevalent among NMs. A 2019 survey by the Bernalillo Community Health Council reveals the following statistics:
Think of it as a blueprint that explains how to develop a care plan and where your employees play an active role. Based on a study, care planning highlights patient-centeredness, shared decision-making, and self-management. Simply put, care planning involves four steps:
It details the background, interests, and medical history. Medical history includes tests, diagnoses, and treatments. At the same time, a crucial part of the assessment is discussing the health needs, desired outcomes, and goals.
This step involves the what, who, and how of care. What are the preferred medical interventions? What kind of support is needed? Who is part of the care? How are the health goals achieved and monitored? All activities are incorporated into an action plan.
The action plan in the previous step serves as a guide in applying the care. This step forms the bulk of care, where self-management plays a vital role.
During the care, it’s crucial to have regular contact with us as the healthcare provider. The feedback allows us to monitor and review the progress. Then, we make adjustments, if necessary, through shared decision-making.
Your employees benefit from personalized care planning in many ways. It goes beyond alleviating symptoms of their chronic disease. Besides their physical health, it positively impacts their well-being, relationships, and work. At the same time, their quality of life is significantly improved.
As a result:
Healthcare need not be expensive. We help cash-strapped employees, with or without healthcare insurance, to achieve better health. A care plan for chronic diseases costs $75 per month per employee. The cost also includes other healthcare services:
The rates and services vary from one DPC provider to another. So, it’s best to check each one to help you choose the best DPC provider for your employees’ needs.
Yes, you can spend $75 monthly per employee on a care plan by a DPC provider in Albuquerque. Your employees’ long-term conditions like hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol can be controlled at this cost.
As a result, they achieve better health and improved quality of life. Moreover, a care plan allows them to decide what kind of care they need and how we can support them in attaining their health goals.
Also, your employees can be more productive at work without feeling sick frequently. First, it saves them from medical costs due to the complications of their condition. And second, their wages won’t be affected by absenteeism or job loss.
In addition to chronic disease management, Well Life Family Practice provides many healthcare services. Your employees can use these services regardless of whether they have or don’t have a chronic condition. Best of all, they can register as an individual to receive the healthcare services they need.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Let’s take statin, a prescription drug, as an example. Statin in the USA was 400% higher than UK price, according to a study 10 years ago. Today, the cost of a 30-day supply of statin may range from $130-generic to $360-branded. For cash-strapped employees, that’s a stretch for a prescription drug to maintain cholesterol levels.
But do you know the actual base price of it is much lower? Join me as we dig into the hard truths about prescription costs:
Watch KC and Jason tackle the truth about prescription costs!
Prescription drug prices have increased by 1,150%, and patient costs by 182% since 1987. Further, a 2017 study shows prescription drug prices in the USA were substantially higher than in nine other countries. It includes Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.
So, who sets prescription drug prices in the USA that’s way up compared to other progressive nations?
According to a 2016 study, high drug prices resulted from the USA granting government-protected monopolies to drug manufacturers. It’s combined with coverage requirements imposed on government-funded drug benefits.
The study found market exclusivity lets manufacturers set high drug prices. In addition, a similar study shows the high cost of prescriptions is protected by monopoly rights granted by the FDA approval and patents.
You may think it’s the pharmaceutical companies since they’re the ones manufacturing the prescription drugs. Well, these pharmaceutical companies are not the true bad actors in this story. It’s the PBMs.
Let’s dissect the trifecta to get a clearer picture:
A 2020 systematic review of 34 studies assessed the impact of US federal and state drug policies. It reveals these government initiatives led to reduced spending for consumers. But, the overall effect on patient outcomes remains unknown.
Early this year, a state initiative was formulated in New Mexico (NM). Rep. Angelica Rubio said, “Drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them.”
To remedy the high costs of medications, Rep. Rubio introduced legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). This regulating body aims to establish an upper payment limit. Thus, through proper pricing of medications, NMs gain access to affordable medicines.
On the grassroots level, self-funded businesses bear the brunt of the healthcare costs of their employees. They pay for healthcare insurance, which includes medication expenses. Employers, like you, do not know the actual price from PBMs and what happens behind the scene.
Here are some solutions on how you can help your business and your employees mitigate high prescription costs:
WLABQ offers more than reduced prescription costs and lab tests. It has many ways to save money for you:
Health insurance companies, PBMs, and pharmaceutical companies drive prescription costs. WLABQ helps you manage the costs through various services. We work well with small businesses of less than 50 employees.
A DPC provider, we do not spend unnecessary administrative expenses since we do not have a back office to process claims. As a result, we can offer a monthly fee of $75 per employee.
At this minimal rate, your employees enjoy healthcare benefits on top of discounted medications.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Are you a business owner or employer looking for the best Direct Primary Care provider in Albuquerque? Attract the best talent in town with this affordable and accessible healthcare plan!
It is a known fact that the success of your business lies in you and your employees’ efforts and contributions. You can provide them with the right tools and environment. Give them a reward system to make them happy and productive.
Your actions are essential as a business owner in Albuquerque. It is your responsibility to ensure the general well-being. It extends beyond compensation, perks, and monetary benefits. The health of your employees depends on the quality of care you give them.
Besides health insurance, Direct Primary Care (DPC) can be good for you and your employees. Do you have a Direct Primary Care provider for your business, or are you looking for one? Here are a few tips to help you find a DPC provide
A Direct Primary Care provider (DPC) offers medical check-ups regardless if your employees are sick or not. Services include diagnoses and prescription of medications. They also recommend appropriate medical management of minor diseases and injuries.
A Direct Primary Care provider does preventive care and chronic disease management. It is on top of immediate relief from common illnesses.
Your employees can enjoy seeing a Direct Primary Care provider, especially if they are at risk of certain diseases. A DPC provider advises your employees if they need to undergo screening or lab tests. It helps them identify any common health problems. And they can see potential illnesses that may affect their performance at work.
Your employees can also find supportive healthcare, especially if they are suffering from chronic diseases. Your employees may have high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney or heart diseases. A Direct Primary Care provider gives a long-term plan of care for your employees.
Primary care providers may prolong the life of your employees due to preventive care. Primary care providers lowered fatalities based on a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This study showed an increase of about ten providers for every 100,000 people reduces deaths by about 40%. Researchers noted a decrease by 0.9% to 1.4% among people with cancer and heart or lung diseases.
A DPC provider serves as a health advisor for your employees. They know the health history and medical condition of your employees. So, they are in the best position to give medical care and health teaching. Your employees receive the medical attention they need for them to meet their optimal functioning.
The Direct Primary Care Coalition reported a reduced claims cost of 19.90% and hospital admissions of 25.54%.
Since a DPC membership covers your employees, you get to pay a fixed amount with no copays. It means that no matter how many times they visit a DPC provider, you don’t have to shell out more money.
A Direct Primary Care provider lowers your costs of maintaining staff and work hours. You will not need a team to process claims and reimbursements.
Your employees have different illnesses or medical conditions. A DPC facility or provider offers a wide array of healthcare services. It answers your employees’ needs.
But, no one medical provider does all the job. A team of Direct Primary Care providers collaborates on the healthcare requirements of your employees.
Direct Primary Care providers manage the health of your employees and their families throughout the life stages – from birth to old age. It includes nurse providers and specialists in family medicine. Also included are internal medicine, gynecology/obstetrics, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
Excellent clinical care is vital in your employees’ health and wellness. Yet, not all Direct Primary Care providers are alike. You must spot an excellent primary care provider for your money’s worth.
The quality of care depends on the characteristics of a Direct Primary Care provider. Researchers suggested desirable attributes based on the Miller-Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence at John Hopkins in Baltimore. Some of these qualities are the following:
A Direct Primary Care provider is passionate about caring for people. He/she values the relationship and shows concern for a client’s well-being on a long-term basis. He/she advocates for the client’s health and well-being. He/she also promotes disease prevention.
There are things to consider in finding a Direct Primary Care provider for your employees. Create a comparative table by searching online for Direct Primary Care providers in Albuquerque. You rate each Direct Primary Care provider based on eight factors to help you decide how to pick the right one. 1.
There are about 20 Direct Primary Care providers in Albuquerque. Map it out and check out the nearest Direct Primary Care provider nearest your business. Chances are, most of your employees may also be residing near your business. Making your business the point of origin is still more workable. It’s better than mapping out where all your employees live.
Take a drive-by or ocular of the physical facility. Is there ample parking space? Check the lobby and restrooms if they are clean. Is the general ambiance comfortable and pleasant? If you are allowed to look into the therapy rooms, take a look at the condition of the medical equipment.
An extension of the facility is the DPC medical team. Are they as friendly and accommodating as you expect them to be? Ask for their services to know more about what they can offer you. Did they talk to you in a friendly manner? Did they give you all the information you asked for or even more?
Remember seeing the sign on the clinic’s door to know whether the Direct Primary Care provider is “in” or “out”? Nowadays, your employees’ do not have to visit the facility. There are other ways to get an appointment, such as a telephone call, email messaging, and online chat. Your employees can also find virtual consult convenient and time-saving. Or they can talk to a Direct Primary Care provider representative through 24/7 telemedicine.
Ask for advice from your family and friends. They can give you referrals based on experience. They may probably suggest a Direct Primary Care provider whom they trust and have confidence in. Some of your family and friends can also refer you to other people. They may have more information about Direct Primary Care providers.
Your employees may have personal preferences. It is taxing for you to interview them one by one. But, you can ask a consensus about their predisposition. It may include language/s spoken, gender-sensitive issues, and special cases or disabilities. You can research if a Direct Primary Care provider addresses your employee’s personal preferences.
What kind of healthcare services do you want to offer your employees? Does your existing insurance cover these services, and at what costs? A Direct Primary Care provider delivers a wide array of services from which you can choose. Take note of the rate or affordability of a membership package. You can visit the websites of Direct Primary Care providers in Albuquerque to get more information. An example is Well Life ABQ.
Try to get to know what other people think about the Direct Primary Care provider. You can ask around family or friends about the service they received from a particular DPC provider. Rate each DPC provider with stars, five stars as the highest and one star as the lowest.
You can also see reviews when you do an online search. Type “Direct Primary Care Providers in Albuquerque.” Names of Direct Primary Care providers will appear, and below their names are their reviews.
Have you filled out your comparative table of Direct Primary Care providers in Albuquerque? Who is the best on your list?
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Local businesses are facing a new challenge – labor shortage.
More than 100,000 New Mexicans lost their jobs during the pandemic. But a glaring sign of a food franchise in Albuquerque reads, “We are short-staffed. Please be patient with the staff that did show up. No one wants to work anymore.”
Are the stimulus checks and pandemic assistance keeping workers at home? How can you encourage your staff to come to work?
If we base motivation on Maslow’s theory, the bottom or first level is to satisfy the basic needs. Physiological needs include food, shelter, clothing, warmth, and rest. These needs are the main reasons why a person gets up to work every day.
A worker’s salary can provide these basic needs, and so does the second level of Maslow’s hierarchy. Access to health and medical care is a universal right that falls under safety and security.
One factor affecting motivation and retention of employees to work is a company’s benefits package. Companies create incentives or benefits programs based on the physiologic and safety, and security needs.
Moreover, these incentives or benefits boost employee satisfaction, productivity, and morale. In a nutshell, company benefits make your employees happy.
A study enumerated some of these benefits provided by USA companies:
Based on a study, one large USA company attracted prospective talented workers by offering wellness perks – yoga class, massage chairs, and personal chef in the office! It sounds like over-the-top perks for your business.
So, let’s zoom in on businesses and what they are doing to attract workers here in Albuquerque and New Mexico districts.
Monetary benefits, though, don’t attract many people to apply for the jobs. A UNM associate professor said that people tend to choose jobs that offer higher pay. It adds stress to business owners who adjust their human resources (HR) budget to hire workers.
Health benefits draw people to a company, too. An HR solutions provider surveyed about 5,000 small business employees.
According to 60% of the employee-respondents, the most vital benefit they considered in accepting their present job was healthcare. It ranked number one, followed by paid holidays, vacation and sick leaves, and retirement plans.
To make your business competitive, you can consider going beyond monetary benefits. You may offer something that can positively impact your potential workers. Besides giving them signing bonuses and higher salaries, think about their health. You may provide other feasible benefits: health insurance, medical services, or healthcare through a Direct Primary Care provider.
The hard-hit industries of the labor shortage are leisure or hospitality in Albuquerque. Construction, agriculture, and health businesses are also affected.
There is a lack of workers in restaurants everywhere in New Mexico: a chile farm in Socorro County, a construction site in SE, and home care in NE, Albuquerque. You may be one of the many businesses that need workers like them.
As the most valued benefit, health impacts your business in many ways, other than attracting potential workers. Some of these reasons have something to do about retaining the employees that still work for you.
Your business must have lost workers during the pandemic. You may be trying to fill in vacant positions. At the same time, you’re striving to retain the good ones.
You have to know what your current workers need and want. Healthcare is essential, especially when COVID-19 is still a looming threat. They may have diseases that require more medical attention than others.
A survey reveals a critical factor in a worker’s decision to stay in a company. About 56% of the 1,000 U.S. adult respondents with employer-sponsored health benefits said it’s all about healthcare coverage. So, providing healthcare coverage for your workers minimizes the risk of losing them.
Healthy workers contribute more to your business. Taking care of them by providing healthcare benefits keeps your workers in good shape. Their productivity increases, and you will find employees use fewer sick leaves. It boosts their morale and prevents them from leaving your business.
Offering health benefits to retain a worker is more cost-effective than hiring a new one. Letting go of a worker makes you shell out money on separation, productivity, and recruitment. Replacing a resigned worker equates to about 30% of the worker’s annual salary.
Moreover, offering healthcare benefits reduces insurance and administrative costs. Let’s take in, for instance, Direct Primary Care. You won’t have to deal with third parties. Instead of billing insurance companies, you pay directly to a Direct Primary Care provider with a fixed rate with no copays. Consequently, you won’t have to hire more staff or pay additional work hours for processing reimbursements and claims.
Healthcare coverage is always a key benefit a company can offer, regardless if there is a pandemic or not. A 2018 study reveals that 55% of workers stay in a small business enterprise whose employers show care for their well-being.
Three ways to motivate your employees to come to work:
Most companies offer health insurance. However, higher out-of-pocket or fees for service affect how workers use healthcare services. They skip consulting a medical professional, labs, and medical procedures.
It’s where Direct Primary Care comes in. Direct Primary Care offers an annual membership fee at a fixed rate. Your employees have access to a wide array of healthcare and lab services without additional costs.
The selection of different touchpoints makes it more convenient for them. They can choose from telephone, text messaging, email, virtual consultation, or 24/7 telemedicine.
You may send an email today to hello@wellifeabq.com to know more about Well Life ABQ healthcare services.
One of the top five benefits strategies is improving wellness programs and prevention initiatives based on a 2018 study. The highly-rated benefit to attract talent in a small business is creating a culture of well-being. In the same study, seven out of ten workers said employers must offer health benefits.
Well Life ABQ provides wellness programs such as weight loss, nutritional counseling, and women’s health. Prevention management includes regular physical exams and lab tests.
Companies also consider Direct Primary Care because of care coordination. Your potential employees see one clinician for consultation who collaborates with a healthcare team.
It’s a streamlined process that eliminates the hassles of seeing different clinicians on every consult or medical service.
There’s consistent communication with one clinician who spends quality time with your worker. The time spent with the clinician allows for a personalized healthcare benefit that caters to the specific needs of your workers.
The labor shortage in Albuquerque isn’t going anywhere. As a local business owner, you have to think of creative ways to retain and entice talented workers.
Giving incentives and bonuses can be a nice come-on and so does Direct Primary Care that works for both employee retention and recruitment with an offer of better health and well-being.
Ready to drive more potential workers to your business? Retain Employees and Quality Healthcare with NO COPAYS!
Albuquerque, N.M. — What are benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ employers and employees? How is Direct Primary Care bringing more value for businesses and their employees? How is it a recruiting advantage from other companies?
Direct primary care or DPC is an alternative to traditional fee-for-service.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
A DPC provider, such as Well Life ABQ, provides various services for a flat rate of $75 a month and $30 for additional members. It includes the following:
DPC has no co-pays, and the rate is lower than traditional fee-for-service. The money saved on traditional insurance converts into your savings.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
DPC costs lower than traditional fee-for-service with more personalized healthcare service. Your employees get to talk to a medical practitioner longer without hurrying.
In 2017, the University of New Mexico reported that 40% of residents lived in places with severe shortages of primary care. It is on top of the medical practitioner shortage in the state.
However, WLABQ has in-house medical practitioners to cater to the needs of your employees. The flat rate covers immediate and unlimited access to personalized medical care, unlike traditional fee-for-service, which costs every visit or medical procedure.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
Your employees don’t have to leave work to get an appointment or a consultation. Other than on-site visits to the clinic, your employees can take advantage of virtual consultation and telemedicine.
Their work won’t be affected since they can call anytime during their break or at night when they’re home. Your employees can also reach a DPC, such as WLABQ, through e-mail and text messaging.
Your employees won’t have a reason to file for sick leave with the menu of communication channels they have. Their workload and productivity won’t be affected.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
Absenteeism is away from work. While presenteeism is being physically present but functionally absent. Your business can incur more minor losses from employee absenteeism and presenteeism due to sickness.
Absenteeism impacts your business in many ways. Productivity may decline, which increases production cost and inversely lowers your profit margin. Your human resources (HR) staff may face the burden of disciplining consistent absentees.
They may increase the workload of other employees to compensate for the slack. Absenteeism can also cause higher employee turnover and immediate hiring of unfit employees.
Based on Circadian Technologies, the top reason for unscheduled absences for a shift worker is personal illness at 30%. For example, if you manage a healthcare facility of about 500 employees working on shifts, you can lose up to $1.3 million annually due to absenteeism.
If you offer employees a DPC package, you assure them they have the medical and health services they need to prevent them from getting sick. You won’t be bothered by employees filing sick leaves and disrupting the workflow in your business. At the same time, it converts to savings instead of losses for your business.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for Companies in Albuquerque
According to the CDC, absenteeism causes loss of productivity estimated at $225.8 billion a year. Specifically, chronic health conditions cause impaired performance which costs about $211 billion based on the IBI.
DPC offers acute and long-term treatment or management of chronic illnesses. Remember Maria? DPC manages her hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis to perform better at work and take fewer sick leaves.
You won’t have to shoulder expenses for additional wages, leave benefits, and worker’s compensation. And you won’t have to spend on incidental costs in case of hiring a replacement employee.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
You can replace sickly employees who have resigned, but there’s a price to it. Studies reveal that hiring a new employee in the USA can cost you. It includes actual hiring and workdays to fill the position.
The average cost of hiring a new employee is $4,129 based on the Society for Human Resources Management. Moreover, it takes about 42 days to fill the vacancy. A reputable recruitment platform pins it at $4,000 in 52 days.
If replacing a worker is certain, you can present DPC as a benefit to potential hires. It gives you a competitive edge that attracts the best candidates. Healthcare is one of the critical benefits other than paid leaves and retirement plans.
Owning a medical-related business puts you in a challenging situation. Your employees are more susceptible to developing acute or chronic illnesses due to the nature of their job. Keeping their health in check becomes a priority.
Health benefit is what potential candidates are looking for in your company. DPC also helps retain the best employees, knowing their health is your priority.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
It takes more than salary to make your employees happy. They feel secure as DPC serves as a security blanket to their medical and health needs. This sense of security lessens their worries about getting sick. It relieves them from paying medical bills that come with being sick, too. As a result, they focus on their job and reach their full potential.
DPC manages a healthy workforce for you in terms of cost and employee satisfaction. You get quality medical care for your employees. They remain productive and contribute to the overall success of your business.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
As they say, employees reflect how you manage your business. You can tell how good a company is doing through the employees. DPC promotes a culture of health and wellness with its various services. It is not just for your sick employees.
Think of Maria. DPC manages chronic diseases to allow your employees to function in their work. Fewer absences and improved productivity mean less cost on your part. Instead, you gain a healthy workforce that keeps the culture in your business alive and well.
DPC, such as WLABQ, offers a holistic approach to health, including prevention and chronic illness management. Other than medical screenings and lab tests, WLABQ also has weight loss programs, integrative medicine options, women’s wellness, and nutritional counseling. These services aim to nurture the health of your employees proactively.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
The National Health Expenditure Projection for 2020-25. projects health spending to rise by 6%. It can be costly for you, especially if you have a business of barely 200 employees.
DPC offers a membership package at a fixed rate. You pay the membership package directly to a DPC, bypassing insurance companies. It eases your work since you won’t have to deal with third-party providers.
It also eliminates third-party billing. Having fewer employees work on processing insurance claims and reimbursements lowers your overhead cost.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
Healthcare continues to rise as business owners like you find ways to lower their operational expenses. DPC saves money as it complements an existing health insurance plan or other medical programs. It can cut costs by 15% to 20% annually.
DPC saves cost from overutilization of diagnostic lab works and facilities. Instead of cashing in on labs per visit, a DPC package covers these services practically at a fixed rate.
A medical survey points out members enrolled in a DPC program have fewer surgeries, ER visits, and hospital admissions. DPC saves money otherwise spent on these preventable medical situations.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
DPC is not insurance. You may still need additional insurance to cover services outside of DPC, like hospitalization.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care is best for employers
As an employer, you’d want to lower healthcare expenses for quality service that helps manage the wellness of your workforce. You might want to consider DPC as a benefit for your employees, like Maria, who drive your business to become profitable.
Well Life ABQ takes care of people who take care of others. LEARN more how we can take care of your employees!
Benefits of Direct Primary Care for ABQ Employers and Employees
Employers choose to offer Direct Primary Care at Well Life ABQ as a benefit because it provides employees with convenient access to high-quality care.
