Americans spend much less on primary care (as a percentage of total health care spending) than any developed country, and more of our economy is based on health care than any developed country. Yet, we have the lowest life expectancy and highest suicide rates. What gives?
A patient once shared with me that she used to wait months to see her doctor, only to be told that they would only discuss one problem per visit.
She said, “They didn’t take into account that I am a whole person.”
On her initial visit with me, we discussed all of her recent lab results as well as physical exam findings and came up with a plan to address all of the symptoms that trouble her daily. We continue to meet on a regular basis to fine-tune her journey to wellness. She understands we will work this out together until we get it right.
If value is defined as quality divided by cost, how much value are you getting for your health care dollar today?
Heidi M. Larson, M.D. is one of only 9 private Maine physicians to earn three blue ribbons of distinction for excellence in outcomes for care in the treatment of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and depression. Her mission as a family medicine physician is to provide exceptional, comprehensive health care to the whole family in and around Scarborough, Maine, based on trusting personal relationships with patients, their families, and the community.