Asbestosis Management Through Direct Primary Care (DPC)

Updated on: September 14, 2023

The asbestos fibers in the air can easily enter the lungs when disturbed or released into the air, causing asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestos was widely used in construction, insulation, and manufacturing until the 1970s. As soon as asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can cause inflammation, scarring, and damage to the lung tissues. Shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and reduced lung function can result from this.

The only way to prevent asbestosis is to avoid exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis has no cure and can be fatal. It can also increase the risk of developing other serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, or pleural effusion.

An asbestos-related condition can be diagnosed by a chest X-ray, a CT scan, a lung function test, or a biopsy. Aside from medication, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and surgery, asbestosis management can be challenging and expensive for many patients. They may face long waiting times, high deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or surprise bills. In addition, they may feel rushed or unsatisfied. "He who believes money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money," wrote Benjamin Franklin.

For a flat monthly fee, direct primary care (DPC) allows patients to have unlimited access to their primary care physician. By eliminating the middleman of insurance companies, DPC allows patients to have a direct relationship with their doctor without the middleman of insurance companies.

How DPC Can Help Manage Your Asbestosis

Asbestosis patients can benefit from DPC in many ways. Here are some of them:

  • DPC doctors have fewer patients than traditional doctors, so they can spend more time with each patient. As Hippocrates said, “It is more important to know what type of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has,” so they can listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide personalized care.

  • DPC doctors are available 24/7 by phone, text, email, or video chat. You can also schedule same-day or next-day appointments at your convenience. No long waits or referrals are required. Albert Einstein once said, "The only source of knowledge is experience."

  • DPC doctors focus on treating the root causes of your health problems, not just the symptoms. Lifestyle counseling, smoking cessation, environmental education, and chronic disease management can help you manage asbestosis. Additionally, they can perform chest X-rays, CT scans, lung function tests, and biopsies to monitor your lung health. Doctors of the future will not prescribe medicine but will focus on the care of the body, diet, and the cause and prevention of disease, as Thomas Edison said.

  • A flat monthly fee covers all primary care services provided by DPC doctors. You don't have to pay any deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or surprises. You also know exactly what you are paying for and what you are receiving. Avoiding unnecessary tests, procedures, and hospitalizations can help you save money. Your DPC membership can also be paid for with your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Warren Buffett said, "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."

The Benefits of DPC for Asbestosis Patients

Asbestosis patients can benefit from DPC. Here are some examples:

  • In a study, patients who received DPC had lower hospitalization rates and lower total health care costs than patients who received traditional fee-for-service care.

  • Using oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation, a DPC doctor treated a patient with asbestosis who had been exposed to asbestos during his military service.

  • In a testimonial, a DPC patient described how his DPC doctor helped him manage asbestosis, which he developed from working in an asbestos factory. Through his DPC membership, the patient was able to access affordable medication and surgery.

Personalized Asbestosis Management in DPC

DPC practices can provide you with a personalized approach to managing your lung health and overall well-being if you have asbestosis or are at risk of developing it.

Leonardo da Vinci reportedly said, "Vitality and beauty are gifts of nature for those who live according to its laws." Take good care of your lungs with DPC.

Published on: July 20, 2023