3 Major Consequences of Delaying Primary Care 

Available for Interviews: John Rodriguez, MD

Dr. John Rodriguez is a Chief Medical Officer of Healthcare2U, and he is passionate about the care that is provided to their patients. He manages all the care providers in Healthcare2U’s network of clinics and oversees care protocols and training.

What Dr. Rodriguez can say in an interview about
the Benefits of Preventative Medicine:

There are multiple reasons why someone would delay medical care aside from the COVID-19 crisis. But this delay will be penny-wise but pound foolish. Studies show that this delay can lead to a multitude of negative outcomes. 

1) Higher likelihood of an emergency department (ED) visit and possible hospitalization

It makes intuitive sense that if you seek out a primary care provider (PCP) early on with an illness like bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, etc., and receive treatment, you will likely not need an ED visit or hospitalization. Studies clearly show that establishing care with a primary care physician and utilizing that medical home reduces the need to seek out more expensive options like the ED. Also, a well-done study from the Journal of Family Medicine (August, 1994) shows hospitalization rates are reduced by just establishing care with a primary care provider.

2) Higher costs to the patient following treatment

No one likes bills or debt but that is exactly what you will get when you fail to seek out your PCP either for prevention purposes or early treatment of acute illness. Research done through the UnitedHealth Group shows that treatable diseases will cost you on average $2,032 through the ED vs $167 through your PCPs office. And if that condition results in hospitalization, then your bill will run into tens of thousands of dollars. It is clear to see that establishing care with your PCP and being a compliant patient will keep more money in your pocket!

3) Poor health outcomes

Prevention and treatment of chronic disease are the basis and importance of a primary care medical home. When diseases like hypertension and diabetes go undiagnosed and untreated, this leads to coronary disease, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, blindness, amputations, and death. These conditions are easily prevented if you establish care with a PCP. Many patients come through EDs every year and require hospitalization for conditions that could have been prevented had they established care through a primary care home several years prior. 

Establishing care with a primary care provider, taking advantage of preventative exams, and seeking out your PCP early on with acute disease will prevent unwanted consequences dealing with health and wealth. 

 

Interview: John Rodriguez, MD

Dr. John Rodriguez is a Chief Medical Officer of Healthcare2U, and he is passionate about the care that is provided to their patients. He manages all the care providers in Healthcare2U’s network of clinics and oversees care protocols and training.

Dr. Rogriguez co-founded Healthcare2U to ensure that organizations of all sizes and structures have unlimited, nationwide access to affordable and consistent primary and urgent care. He has over 20 years of experience, where he worked in private practice as an attending physician with one of the most prestigious health care systems in the country, Baylor Health Care Systems. Dr. Rodriguez and his company have been featured on Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends, and in publications like BenefitsPro, America’s Benefit Specialist, and Broker World.

Contact:
Jo Allison
Managing Editor
Director of Public Relations
MEDIA AMBASSADORS
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Jo@SuccessInMedia.com

    

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