Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Direct Care Model and My Journey Away from Insurance

Since I completed my Endocrinology fellowship in 2014, I have been employed at 3 different institutions in 3 different states. Over time, all 3 jobs led to different versions of the same problem. There were too many visits per day, and too little time per patient. Piling on to the chaotic schedule, I would be trying to answer patient messages and review blood work whenever I had a spare moment. Ultimately, this model was unsustainable, Endocrinology is a complex specialty, I’ve always liked to be comprehensive and cover as many concerns as possible during the visit, but 15 minutes is simply not enough time for this. The result was that I was rushing, burning out, and patient care suffered.

In 2024, I decided enough was enough, and I opened Healthy You Endocrinology and Weight Loss. The goal of my practice was that patients feel heard and taken care of. I have had many patients come to me and say their last doctor just didn’t listen to them or take time. I fault the insurance system that keeps slashing payments creating an untenable work and care environment. I went out of network, meaning that patients do pay out-of-pocket for visits. Out-of-network creates easy access to appointments, I can often get people in same or next day. The visits are longer, I have more time to listen, more time to discuss options, and get creative when needed.

I was able to develop a truly comprehensive weight loss program where we dig deep into medical and weight history, I utilize a body composition scale to evaluate metabolism and muscle status. My patients gain access to a member’s only website with nutrition and exercises advise. I utilize weight loss medications when indicated and have time to get these medications approved or find the best cash deals for people.

I also treat all general Endocrine conditions. Direct Care means that we can look at what they came for but also evaluate if there are other conditions interfering with or playing in to their symptoms. We can try out different treatment regimens, patients can reach me or schedule sooner visits when they need it.

Direct care not only means easy access to appointments, but access to the doctor outside of visits. My members enjoy HIPAA secure texting and portal messaging that allows for closer care.

I understand that the Direct Care model is new for some people and may take a while to get used to, but when patients come for a visit, they see the difference and realize that it is worth it.