Most Want to Email, Text and Call their Doctor – Now McLean Residents Can

The following article is by Dr. David J. Jones, founder of Principal Medical Group in McLean, Va.

Because the average primary care physician limits their availability to normal business hours, five days a week, the idea of having full-time access to your doctor is probably hard to grapple with.  But, it’s this type of restricted availability coupled with patient bases of 3,000 or more that often results in longer waiting times and hurried appointments.

With more than 100 million American consumers owning a smartphone (according to 2011 ComScore data), digital communications is a viable option to meet patient needs in a timely manner.  And new data suggests that today’s healthcare consumers are looking for more out of their relationships with their providers, including access to phone, text and email consultations.

The recent survey of more than 1,000 Americans shed light on the frustrations and expectations patients have when trying to communicate with their doctor. Among the findings, nearly 80 percent of respondents wish they had more frequent communication with their physicians, but only 25 percent of respondents feel their healthcare provider is reachable if they have questions or concerns outside of an appointment.

Now imagine a medical home where you can access your personal physician with the click of a button.  For McLean residents seeking out this type of attentive, personalized care, concierge medicine provides unique services to consider.
 
The concierge model of care is among the fastest growing medical trends in the country, according to the American Academy of Private Physicians.  This new care option gives patients the opportunity to have their healthcare delivered with thorough, same-day appointments by a physician who really knows each patient and his or her individual preferences and health goals.  With an affordable membership fee and small patient base, concierge physicians can spend time focusing on what matters most to each of their patients and communicating in a manner that is convenient.

Principal Medical Group, a concierge medical practice located in the heart of McLean, Va., offers comprehensive, preventive services to help patients remain healthy year-round. In addition to primary care, it also specializes in managing chronic diseases and complex medical conditions for adults. Principal Medical Group’s goal is to guarantee that patients feel confident in the quality of their medical care and comfortable relying on their concierge physician at all times.

Principal Medical Group recognizes this growing patient need, highlighted by recent survey findings, and infuses these expectations into our care model.  By complementing in-person consultations with convenient, digital communications, Principal Medical Group patients are well equipped to manage unanticipated health needs and comforted with 24/7 access to their physician.

To learn more about the benefits of concierge medicine, contact Principal Medical Group by clicking here or calling (703) 663-8824.