The Benefits of Direct Primary Care During a Global Pandemic
San Francisco was one of six Bay Area counties that led the nation in issuing shelter-in-place orders as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Since mid-March residents of San Francisco have adhered to restrictions intended to encourage social distancing and decrease non-essential interactions. These orders have prevented and/or deterred many individuals from keeping important commitments, including doctor’s appointments.
Over the past several months hospitals and doctors’ offices have catered almost exclusively to individuals suffering from coronavirus infections; but what about individuals with other health issues? Is it possible to see a primary care physician in San Francisco without encountering a person potentially infected with COVID-19? For patients of Osra Medical the answer is yes! Our concierge doctor model is actually ideal during the current global health pandemic.
We understand you may have questions about seeing a private doctor during these unprecedented times, and we’ve included answers to a few frequently asked questions below.
In this article:
Why is the concierge doctor model ideal for the COVID-19 pandemic?
The concierge doctor model is ideal during this time for a number of reasons. First, the doctors at Osra Medical care for a very small patient population compared to a traditional primary care physician in San Francisco. Whereas traditional primary care doctors have nearly 2,000 patients under their care, the private doctors at Osra Medical provide direct primary care to less than 100 patients. Secondly, our concierge doctor model allows patients to receive care directly from their doctor. Osra Medical has no administrative staff, front desk personnel, or busy waiting room. Scheduled appointments are attended only by the patient and the doctor with no other persons in the office during the allotted time period. Lastly, Osra Medical limits the total number of patients seen by a private doctor each day in order to ensure adequate infection control within the office setting. We also follow strict cleaning protocols between patient visits. These intentional safeguards lower the overall exposure risk and significantly decrease the likelihood of passing the virus.
Does Osra Medical offer telemedicine (video visits) to see a private doctor?
Yes! Osra Medical actually requires a telemedicine appointment before an in-person visit can be scheduled, minimizing the number of people visiting the physical office at this time. We also offer a variety of options to communicate with a private doctor including text, phone call, video visits, or even scheduled home visits when appropriate. Patients are still welcome to schedule an in-person office visit if their health concerns cannot be resolved via telemedicine appointment. Our patients can be confident that the doctors at Osra Medical will take all the necessary precautions to ensure the facility meets specific COVID-19 protocols that align with the CDC's recommendations for infection control should they need to come into the office.
Should I maintain my periodic health screenings now or reschedule for a later date?
Patients at Osra Medical are advised to maintain their periodic health screenings. Since Osra Medical is a direct primary care practice, our private doctor in San Francisco is able to provide treatment via telemedicine visits or on-site if needed. Our private doctor is also able to arrange medication delivery to patients’ homes, often at little to no additional costs based on the patient’s insurance coverage. This way our patients can skip the extra trip to the pharmacy. Also, because we maintain a small patient panel, our private doctor is able to coordinate care through specialists, including those at UCSF and other notable institutions. Our concierge model makes it easy to continue to see a primary care physician in San Francisco with the reassurance that they’ll take all precautionary measures for COVID-19 infection control.
Please note: Patients are required to wear a face covering when entering our office and should maintain covering their nose and mouth as much as possible during their visit (as will our physicians).
What should I do if I think I’m experiencing symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, and/or Diarrhea.
Individuals (non-patients) that believe they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms can schedule a COVID-19 consultation with an Osra Medical primary care physician.
Patients of Osra Medical experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus) should first book a telemedicine visit via our client portal. If an in-person follow-up visit with the doctor is required, be assured that our facility is equipped to isolate patients who may be coronavirus carriers. All patients experiencing coronavirus symptoms will be evaluated for testing and/or management options. The doctors at Osra Medical will follow specific COVID-19 protocols for ensuring the best measures of infection control. For more information on how we’re practicing infection prevention, check out our COVID-19 policy.
Is Osra Medical accepting new patients?
Yes, Osra Medical is currently accepting new patients! At Osra Medical we are committed to supporting the health of the community through informative, affordable, personalized primary care. We are committed to serving the Bay Area, including the LGBTQ+ community, and we specialize in healthcare for gay and bisexual men. At Osra Medical, we provide a gay-friendly, fear-free environment that values discreet care. Our goal is to make it easy to discuss sensitive matters concerning your health with a gay doctor. If you are looking to receive direct primary care from a primary care physician in San Francisco, contact us for a telemedicine visit today.