Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Healthcare: Steps to Take Control of Your Health
Hi there! I’m Xavier, the founder of Marqi Health. After spending over 20 years in the health plan industry, I’ve seen firsthand how our healthcare system often waits for problems to arise rather than preventing them. This reactive approach can lead to serious health consequences and higher costs. Let’s explore why healthcare tends to be reactive and how we can take a more proactive stance on our health.
The Reactive Nature of Traditional Healthcare
In the traditional healthcare model, the system is often set up to treat illnesses rather than prevent them. Here are a few reasons why:
Transactional Relationships
Seeing your primary care physician (PCP) was once a sacred relationship and long standing relationship. Now, it often involves significant delays and shorter visits. Patients typically wait about 24 to 62 days for an appointment. When they finally get in, appointments might last only 15 minutes, barely enough to discuss health concerns or receive a thorough examination. This is a result of a physican shortage, as well as misaligned incentives.
Misaligned Incentives
The healthcare industry, including hospitals, providers, and pharmaceutical companies, can sometimes have financial incentives that favor treatment over prevention. As I mentioned earlier, doctors typically get paid depending on how many patients they see, not how well they are taken care of. With a supply shortage of physicians, there is really little we can do today to change the narrative. The sicker we become, the more services providers can bill to insurance, which perpetuates the cycle of reactive care.
Multiple Payors
In the world of healthcare, prevention care is often viewed as optional, and as a result, it’s most often not covered by insurance. When patients seek preventive measures, they may be told these services are not covered, discouraging proactive health management. Combining employee and company tenure with any given health plan, the average employee stays with a single payor for just over two years. The incentive for a multi-payor system to invest in the long-term health of an employee is simply not there. It's akin to a property renter investing their money in fixing a leaky sink.
The Impact of Reactive Healthcare
The consequences of this reactive approach can be significant:
Progression of Diseases
Delayed care can lead to the progression of diseases that might have been caught and managed early. For example, timely screenings can significantly reduce mortality rates for conditions like breast cancer and heart disease.
Higher Costs
Treating advanced diseases is more costly than preventing them. Chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension require ongoing, expensive management, which could have been mitigated with early intervention.
4 Simple Steps Towards Being More Proactive About Your Health
Trying to get people to be more proactive about your health is like asking someone to watch a timeshare presentation or go to the dentist. However, it doesn’t need to be that painful. It can be as simple as taking the first steps just requires some simple planning. Here are 4 simple steps toward being more proactive about your health.
Schedule Regular Health Screenings
Make sure to schedule regular check-ups and screenings, even if you feel fine.
Early detection of conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer can save lives. Studies show that early detection of colorectal cancer can reduce mortality by up to 68%.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Incorporate a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep into your daily routine. These habits are foundational for preventing many chronic diseases.
Utilize Digital Health Solutions
Technologies such as virtual visits and telemedicine can provide easier access to healthcare. These solutions help you get medical advice and support without the long wait times associated with traditional appointments. We use these tools coupled with AI to make real-time health recommendations.
Consider Concierge Medicine
Concierge doctors maintain smaller patient panels, allowing for more personalized and timely care. At Marqi Health, for example, we ensure our members can often secure next-day appointments and have access to our mobile app and mobile phlebotomists for convenient blood draws within the same week. This approach enables us to focus on prevention and optimization rather than just treating illnesses as they arise.
The Science Behind Proactive Care
Research supports the benefits of proactive and precision healthcare. For instance, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels through regular check-ups can prevent heart disease and stroke. Additionally, comprehensive health assessments can catch diseases early when they are most treatable.
Learn More About Proactive Healthcare
At Marqi Health, we utilize the latest advancements in precision care technology to keep you healthy and performing at your best. Our services include comprehensive assessments, personalized health plans, and convenient access to care. We believe in catching potential health issues before they become major problems and optimizing your overall well-being.
To learn more about how you can be proactive about your health and explore articles on peak performance and personalized preventive care, visit our Meet the Founder page and check out our articles for more health tips and insights.