DPC Doctor
In the most recent episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion sat down with Dr. Andrew "Drew" Hertz, an innovative pediatrician and co-founder of the Zest Pediatrics Network. The discussion covered many topics concerning the challenges and successes of the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model in pediatrics. Here’s an in-depth look at Dr. Hertz's insights and how they’re paving the way for a more holistic, accessible, and patient-centered approach to child healthcare.
Addressing Primary Concerns: Making the Jump to DPC
One of the key challenges Zest Pediatrics faces involves convincing pediatricians to transition to the DPC model. Dr. Hertz highlighted four main concerns: attachment to Medicaid patients, hesitancy around constant on-call duty, financial instability during the transition, and skepticism about the model’s success.
Zest tackles these issues head-on. They offer financial data and support to ease transitions and encourage a variety of side gigs to mitigate financial risks. Additionally, the network spreads on-call duties among physicians to ensure work-life balance. Zest effectively demonstrates the model's viability and impact by promoting successful pediatric DPC practices.
Comprehensive and Holistic Care: From Sleep Specialists to Dietitians
The Zest Pediatrics Network believes in a holistic approach to pediatric care. Gone are the days of fragmenting health services. At Zest, comprehensive care means not just treating illnesses but supporting the overall well-being of children and their families.
Families can access various specialists, including lactation consultants, sleep specialists, dietitians, parenting coaches, and psychologists. According to Dr. Hertz, this holistic method aligns perfectly with lifestyle medicine principles, focusing on sleep, diet, screen time, and building resiliency in children.
The Importance of Patient Engagement and Consistent Outreach
Keeping families engaged is crucial for the success of any pediatric practice. Dr. Hertz underscores the significance of proactive outreach and automated touchpoints in fostering engagement. By effectively communicating through routine check-ins, reminders, and educational materials, Zest Pediatrics keeps a pulse on their patients' needs, ensuring consistent and comprehensive care.
Work-Life Balance and DPC: A New Dawn for Pediatricians
One of the most appealing aspects of the DPC model, as discussed by Dr. Hertz, is the potential for a better work-life balance. Traditional medical models often lead to physician burnout, but DPC offers flexibility and manageable patient loads. Pediatricians in the DPC model can maintain meaningful relationships with their patients without the incessant grind imposed by corporate healthcare.
HEAR MORE FROM DR. HERTZ: HOW ZEST PEDIATRICS IS WORKING WITH MEDICAID
With Zest’s approach, many patient interactions are managed via telehealth or virtual consultations, allowing pediatricians to attend to routine needs efficiently. The network setup also means pediatricians can rely on their colleagues for support, preserving personal time and reducing unnecessary stress.
Tackling Misconceptions: Accessibility and Affordability in DPC for Medicaid Patients
Dr. Hertz and Dr. Concepcion addressed a common misconception: that DPC is only viable for high-income patients. Through collaboration with AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Zest Pediatrics aims to demonstrate that DPC can be cost-effective and accessible to Medicaid patients. The network seeks to prove that DPC models can reduce costs and improve health outcomes, especially within underserved populations by gathering data and working on actuarial assessments.
Transparent Pricing and Local Autonomy
Transparency is a cornerstone of Zest Pediatrics. Their website offers clear pricing details, varying based on the child's age and health complexity. Notably, families with multiple children receive discounts. Unlike traditional healthcare models, Zest allows local doctors to have autonomy over their pricing and practice management, operating within the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Expanding the Network: Overcoming Barriers and Advocating for Pediatricians
The Zest Pediatric Network continues to grow, overcoming initial hurdles such as trademark disputes and establishing effective service models. The network’s expansion has been thoughtfully managed to ensure consistent quality and holistic care across multiple locations. Dr. Hertz’s vision is to form a national network while preserving local knowledge and physician autonomy, creating a supportive environment for pediatricians and their patients.
A Bright Future for Pediatric Care
The innovations led by Dr. Andrew "Drew" Hertz and the Zest Pediatrics Network offer a promising vision for the future of pediatric care. By addressing primary concerns, providing holistic support, and ensuring flexible yet comprehensive care, they are redefining what it means to offer excellent pediatric services. For more information on Zest Pediatrics, visit zestpeds.com and consider subscribing to the My DPC Story Podcast for ongoing insights into the future of Direct Primary Care.
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Website: https://zestpeds.com
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