Dekalb MD, a growing regional network of primary care clinics, has opened its first clinic in Chattanooga, with plans to open two more by the end of the year. The clinics, known as direct primary care clinics, are geared towards both individuals and families, as well as employers looking to increase the value of their benefits program for their employees and their families.
Dekalb MD Northshore will celebrate its official grand opening on Wednesday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 13 Kent St., Suite 103. The second clinic is slated to open in East Brainerd by Sept. 1. Possible locations for the third clinic are currently under evaluation.
Dr. Chad Williamson, a north Alabama native, opened his first clinic in Fort Payne two years ago. Since then, the Dekalb MD network has grown to include three affiliated clinics in Dekalb County. In the direct primary care model, individuals or employers pay a monthly fee for unlimited and near-immediate access to their doctor. Each clinic has its own pharmacy, and prescription drugs and lab tests are done at pass-through costs, meaning they are a fraction of normal costs. They can even make house calls.
“Our model focuses first and foremost on the doctor-patient relationship,” said Dr. Williamson. “With Dekalb MD, people can call and see their doctor the same day. Our clients have our cell phone numbers and email addresses, and we are available any time they need us, day or night.
“Healthcare in America has gotten to the point that people are more afraid of going to the doctor because of the bill they’ll get instead of the shot they’ll get. With our model, the monthly fee covers as many visits, phone calls and texts as you need, so our clients don’t need to worry about the bill. It never shows up.”
Dara Rogers is a nurse practitioner at the North Shore clinic. She is trained both as a family practice specialist and a dietician. She joined the network because the model allows her to spend as much time as needed with each patient instead of feeling rushed to get patients out the door.
“I get to focus 100 percent of my energy on working with my patients,” said Ms. Rogers. “At Dekalb MD, we limit the number of patients that each provider sees to make sure there is always time for everyone. When a patient needs me, they call me or just come on in to see me.”
But the model extends beyond just the doctor-patient relationship, according to Austin Jett, an employee benefits advisor with Russ Blakely and Associates in Chattanooga. Employers have a lot to gain as well, said officials.
“Forward-thinking employers are always searching for ways to bend the cost curve while providing better benefits for their employees,” said Mr. Jett. “Many large employers provide onsite clinical care for employees and their families because it improves the quality of care and helps to control costs over time. This type of approach brings the upside of an onsite clinic to small and midsize employers, but in an affordable near-site model.”
According to Mr. Jett, these models of care do not replace insurance, but instead work to address the issues that drive up insurance and healthcare costs over time.
For more information, contact Dr. Williamson at info@dekalbmd.com or 551-6555.