Continuity of care refers to a patient receiving ongoing and comprehensive care throughout their medical journey. This idea emphasizes the consistency of doctors and healthcare systems working together to support patients despite the intricacies of the healthcare system.
This level of care encapsulates everything from a patient's first consultation to aftercare. The importance of continuous and collaborative care, especially for those with chronic medical conditions, can not be overstated.
How are doctors ensuring continuity of care for their patients, and how will healthcare systems implement this going forward?
How Can Healthcare Providers Achieve Comprehensive Care?
When doctors commit to continuity of care, they work closely with the patient to address their needs and coordinate with different healthcare facilities to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Working with doctors who practice concierge care is a way to ensure a personalized approach to healthcare. Patients who opt for a one-on-one approach can connect to doctors with the time and energy to put their care first. Patients with Castle Connolly Private Health Partner memberships can take advantage of the following:
- Same/next-day appointments
- Extended visits
- Direct 24/7 contact with their concierge physician
- Telemedicine connections
- Health Coaching sessions through the SENS Solution® Wellness Program
- Navigation to more than 60,000 Castle Connolly Top Doctors® nationwide
When physicians are supported and not bogged down with administrative work, they can focus more on their practice and the people they treat. Becoming a concierge partner lets doctors work more closely with their patients.
Related Post: Want a Deeper Relationship With Your Doctor? Why More Patients Are Choosing Concierge Medicine.
Doctors who provide one-on-one attention are essential in providing continuous care. Attention to connectivity and collaboration are vital in ensuring patients' needs are met, and they feel supported throughout their healthcare journey.
What Is The Primary Goal of Continuity of Care?
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, continuity of care is “the process by which the patient and his/her physician-led care team are cooperatively involved in ongoing health care management toward the shared goal of high quality, cost-effective medical care.”
At its core, the primary goal of continuity of care is to ensure that patients receive consistent medical attention over time. By receiving continuous levels of care, the patient can experience better health outcomes, fewer medical errors, and more efficient medical care delivery.
What Is The Primary Goal of Continuity of Care?
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, continuity of care is “the process by which the patient and his/her physician-led care team are cooperatively involved in ongoing health care management toward the shared goal of high quality, cost-effective medical care.”
At its core, the primary goal of continuity of care is to ensure that patients receive consistent medical attention over time. By receiving continuous levels of care, the patient can experience better health outcomes, fewer medical errors, and more efficient medical care delivery.
What Obstacles Stand in the Way of Continuity of Care?
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult for someone to do on their own. Even with extensive research and capable doctors, many factors can create confusion and make receiving the proper care challenging.
Often, a single patient might see multiple specialists and healthcare providers. Without communication in place, the risk of providing conflicting advice arises. What does a patient do when physicians offer opposing routines, medication, and advice?
A lack of counseling or support for patients can keep them away from their appointments. A good relationship with their doctor can help alleviate missing appointments if a patient tends to be forgetful.
Why Is Continuity of Care Important?
Continuity of care is important in concierge medical care for several reasons, including the following:
- Improved Communication: Patients can benefit from improved communication by having a concierge doctor at their side, and doctors can have a clearer understanding of their health needs and treatment plans.
- Personalized Treatment: A continuous relationship allows doctors to tailor care based on a patient’s medical history, preferences, and evolving conditions.
- Better Health Outcomes: Ongoing care helps in early detection and prevention of health issues, leading to more effective treatment and better overall health outcomes.
- Fosters Trust: A long-term doctor-patient relationship fosters trust, which increases a patient’s willingness to follow medical advice and adhere to treatment plans.
Get the Personalized Care You Need Today
Ensuring consistent treatments and follow-ups from doctors is fundamental to the continuity of care. Castle Connolly Private Health Partners working to achieve continuity of care can provide patients with better outcomes and leave them more comfortable taking advice and following doctors' orders.
We’re here to help you find convenient and personalized care. Contact us for the help you need to put you in total control of your healthcare. Email us at info@ccphp.net or (212) 367-1950.
