PRESS RELEASE
May 30, 2013, 4:57 p.m. ET (BUSINESS WIRE) – In yet another boom to the desire for new practice models in this country’s long-suffering healthcare industry, America’s largest family medicine organization–the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)–announced recently its support of Direct Primary Care (DPC), a low-cost, high-quality formula that has shown to be greatly advantageous to both patients and doctors.
The news was graciously received by MedLion DPC, the national champion of this alternative to the traditional health insurance platform. “Recognition by the organization will no doubt drive more physicians to closely examine the DPC model,” says Dr. Samir Qamar, president and CEO of the Las Vegas-based company, which has been the leader in converting existing practices, helping doctors start anew and hiring physicians into its network. “AAFP’s support is truly validation of what we know to be a better, less expensive way to provide vital healthcare to all segments of the population.”
“We are looking at exponential growth as the Affordable Care Act becomes implemented and employers seek cost-effective options …”
Direct Primary Care has been steadily growing over the last several years, with MedLion at the national forefront. “We’ve demonstrated that by using the DPC model, doctors can attain incomes comparable to those earned by specialists, while maintaining reasonable lifestyles, something that is particularly attractive to those physicians preparing to enter the medical workforce,” says Dr. Qamar, who notes that MedLion itself has been rapidly gaining popularity. “MedLion is now creating loan repayment incentives for medical students and residents who join MedLion’s primary care practices.”
On the AAFP website, the organization’s Board of Directors clearly defines why they chose to support Direct Primary Care at their March 2013 meeting: “The DPC model is structured to emphasize and prioritize the intrinsic power of the relationship between a patient and his or her family physician to improve health outcomes and lower overall health care costs … and for these reasons, the model is consistent with the AAFP’s advocacy.”
Dr. Qamar knows full well the extraordinary potential of the unique model. “Direct Primary Care will forever change private practice healthcare in America, and has the power to reverse the primary care doctor shortage. Not only is the model a welcome change for the nation’s disheartened primary care doctors, DPC also allows patients and employers to enjoy affordable, high-quality medical care again by eliminating the problem-ridden fee-for-service model. Insurance was never meant for primary care — it’s time we fix the U.S. healthcare system. The first step is to take our specialty back and care for patients directly. We are thrilled that the AAFP has demonstrated an alignment with this vision.”
Since MedLion’s decision to license its DPC model to doctors two years ago, the company has developed practices in four states, with the number of locations expected to triple in the next 18 months. “The number of requests coming in is staggering,” notes Dr. Qamar. “We are looking at exponential growth as the Affordable Care Act becomes implemented and employers seek cost-effective options. We’re actively accepting applications from family physicians nationwide in preparation for a seismic influx of patients expected to sign up for MedLion services over the next few years.”
Dr. Marcus Williams, provider at MedLion’s upcoming Philadelphia location, summarizes his interest. “I believe DPC practices will quickly capture a very solid portion of the medical market via their capacity to quickly recognize and address important patient preferences. I predict the DPC movement will dramatically reinvigorate private practices, improving their financial feasibility and reestablishing their prior leadership in cost-effective quality care delivery.”
“With DPC, the family doctor’s shingle is going up again,” says Dr. Qamar. “Doctors can return to their passion: helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
About MedLion Direct Primary Care
MedLion is a Direct Primary Care (DPC) leader, based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. After launching the first DPC practice in California in 2009, MedLion has grown into more locations and states than any other DPC company in the nation. MedLion assists new and practicing doctors create DPC practices. By creating legally compliant, cost-effective, MedLion-inclusive healthcare strategies for employers, MedLion practices are filled, while receiving business and industry-specific support. Employers and private patients joining MedLion receive high-access, high-quality primary care with monthly subscriptions costing as little as $59 per month. Insurance is reserved for catastrophes. MedLion’s mission: to support primary care physicians seeking autonomy and improved lifestyles via DPC; to assist employers seeking cost-effective, legally compliant healthcare solutions; and to help patients seeking quality medical care at reduced cost.
About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is the national association of family doctors. It is one of the largest national medical organizations, with more than 110,600 members in 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam, as well as internationally.
MEDLION
Samantha Rivera, 888-880-0007
srivera@medlion.com
http://www.MedLion.com
