The Disadvantages of Having a Personal Doctor: An Inside Look

Nowadays, having a personal doctor has become increasingly popular due to the convenience and the personalized care one can receive. However, there are certain disadvantages associated with this approach. In this article, we will delve into the potential drawbacks of having a personal doctor and explore the story of a patient who has experienced such a system first-hand.

1. Limited Accessibility to the Doctor

One of the primary concerns associated with having a personal doctor is the limited accessibility to the physician. Unlike the traditional insurance-based healthcare system, where doctors are often only available during fixed clinic hours or require a longer wait time for appointments, a personal doctor is available on-demand.

For instance, John, a client I spoke to, has a personal doctor, but she has other patients as well. While it's true that he can get appointments on one day's notice, this might not always be possible, especially if he needs immediate attention. On the other hand, some people might find it easier to wait for a longer appointment slot rather than getting an urgent consultation.

2. Extended Consultation Time vs. Overlooked Urgency

A personal doctor, like John's, can often offer virtually unlimited appointments, allowing for in-depth conversations that might not be possible in a typical clinic visit. However, this convenience can sometimes be misinterpreted as a lack of urgency. Concerns arise when emergencies happen, and the patient finds it difficult to secure an urgent appointment with their personal doctor.

For example, if one needs to discuss sensitive health issues or requires immediate attention, having to wait for a day or more for an appointment might not be ideal. In such cases, it might be more practical to visit the nearest emergency room or seek medical attention at a walk-in clinic that offers immediate assistance.

3. Cost Considerations

While a personal doctor might seem cheaper than traditional insurance-based medical care, the cost savings may not be as straightforward as they appear. In John's case, his personal doctor is part of a deal with a lab company, saving him significantly on lab work co-pays. However, the yearly fee for his personal doctor is not exactly cost-efficient for everyone.

Insurance-based healthcare systems often require patients to visit hospitals or other clinics, which can be less expensive in the long run. For instance, if John's insurance plan covered a 176 co-pay for lab work through a commercial insurance, his out-of-pocket expenses would be higher compared to the 11.50 he pays to his personal doctor. This is an argument that some might not find convincing.

Conclusion

While having a personal doctor can provide affordable and comprehensive healthcare, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks. Limited doctor availability, uncertain urgency, and cost considerations are all elements that patients should take into account when deciding whether to adopt this type of healthcare system. Personalized care is invaluable, but it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the challenges associated with it.

Ultimately, the choice to have a personal doctor depends on a patient's individual circumstances, preferences, and financial considerations. It might be useful to research and compare various healthcare options to make an informed decision that aligns with one's health needs.