For the next story about why I choose to practice the DPC (Direct Primary Care) model, I’m going to give an example of my patient, Cheryl.* Cheryl is a patient that followed me from my prior office and embraces the DPC model wholeheartedly. She also happens to be a neighbor who lives three miles from my current office. Cheryl has a high deductible insurance plan through her work, but wants to have the option of paying cash to save money…
For this update, I’m going to bypass the long answers and try to explain things in a simple way. What’s the deal with testing? Are rapid tests not accurate? There are several rapid tests that test for antigen and antibody to Covid-19. They can be helpful when they are positive so people can know when to isolate/quarantine. The rapid tests are less accurate than the PCR tests. **It’s like a pregnancy test. If a pregnancy test is negative, you still…
Last week for my office’s one year anniversary, Priority Care was featured in a Charlotte Agenda article showcasing the start up of a Direct Primary Care clinic. I had planned to have an open house and do a Press Release, but the pandemic meant the open house celebration would have to be put on hold. I’ve been reflecting about why I opened my DPC clinic and why I continue to support and advocate for this model. In the next few…
Last week for my office’s one year anniversary, Priority Care was featured in a Charlotte Agenda article showcasing the start up of a Direct Primary Care clinic. I had planned to have an open house and do a Press Release, but the pandemic meant the open house celebration would have to be put on hold. I’ve been reflecting about why I opened my DPC clinic and why I continue to support and advocate for this model. In the next few…
There is much abuzz about the influenza (flu) vaccine this year because of the possibility of getting Covid-19 and the flu together. Yes, it is possible to have both at once. There are some places like CVS already offering the flu shots. However, it is too early for the flu shot right now. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), “Getting vaccinated in July or August is too early, especially for older people, because of the likelihood of reduced…
For this update, I’d like to discuss the pending vaccination for COVID-19. Since January, when the genome for SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronoavirus 2–the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19) was released, there has been work by researchers to develop a vaccination that produces an immune response in humans that allows our bodies to fight the virus. Phases of making a Vaccine: Preclinical Testing: Researchers give the vaccine to animals to see if it produces an immune response. Phase…
It’s been awhile since my last update. It seems there is quite a bit of conflicting information circulating now. However, there is a need to keep you informed and there are some tidbits of advice that I’d like to offer in the ever-shifting landscape we are having to navigate.
I hope you are doing well during our continued social distancing. The good news is that North Carolina has done an excellent job of flattening the curve so that our hospital systems and healthcare infrastructure won’t be overwhelmed with treating COVID-19 patients. We’ve actually flattened the curve to the point where we probably won’t see a “peak” in cases.
It is time for another update. This past week has brought some new information, but there are still quite a few questions and unknowns. This update will have less of the science aspect and more of the public health aspect addressed as I want to give you a sense of what it looks like our new normal will be going forward.
I wanted to give you an update as we head into the holiday weekend. First, some data: There are now ~1,701,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. The total number of deceased people is ~102,800. In the U.S., our total confirmed positive cases have soared to 502,049. New York is still bearing the brunt of this outbreak with 172,358 cases and a death rate of 7,844. We know the death rate is higher as there are many who are dying…