Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen is joined by Dr. Tea Nguyen, for an informative discussion on Dr. Tea Nguyen’s Direct Care 12-week teaching module. Tea also has a podcast, “The Direct Care Way.” Her passion for direct care has resulted in helping other physicians transition into direct care, not insurance-based practice.
Dr. Nguyen states, “Frustrated with restricted care, mounting paperwork, and short visits, I left the traditional medical model to offer more for my patients. In 2018, I opened Pacific Point Podiatry so that patients could receive timely and exceptional care through a new paradigm called functional podiatric medicine. This offers patients long-term symptom relief by addressing the root causes of foot & ankle pathology ranging from mechanical to metabolic dysfunction. I am so excited to be the first podiatrist to bring this patient-centric model to Santa Cruz County so that people can heal naturally and worry less about their feet. You’ll feel better on your feet AND improve your health with this approach.”
Direct care in podiatric medicine, as discussed in the podcast episode, involves practicing without insurance interference. This model allows for seamless transactions between patients and healthcare providers. In direct care, patients can easily make appointments and pay the healthcare provider directly for the services rendered, eliminating the need for insurance pre-authorizations, bureaucratic processes, and denials commonly associated with traditional insurance-based healthcare systems.
Dr. Nguyen highlights the benefits of direct care, emphasizing the simplicity and efficiency of the payment process. She likened it to getting a haircut, where the patient knows the service they need, pays for it directly and completes the transaction without the complexities of insurance billing.
Operating in a direct care model enables podiatrists to focus on providing quality care to their patients without the administrative burdens imposed by insurance companies. This approach fosters a more personalized and patient-centered experience, allowing the healthcare provider and patient to have a direct relationship without third-party interference.
Overall, direct care in podiatric medicine offers a patient-centric approach that prioritizes accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in healthcare transactions, empowering both patients and healthcare providers to engage in a more direct and streamlined care delivery process. Enjoy this conversation!
Dr. Tea’s Credentials
*Bachelor of Science Human Biology University of California San Diego
*Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
*3-Year Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Residency St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital
*1-Year Wound Surgery Fellowship University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center & Parkland
*Board Certified American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry, Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery
*Board Certified American Board of Podiatric Medicine
*Active Member California Board of Podiatric Medicine
*Active Member American Podiatric Medicine Association
https://www.drteapodiatry.com/