After eighteen years in a traditional medical practice, Dr. Nicole Dorotik noticed a trend in patient care that was not positive. “Efficiency became the priority instead of individualized care,” she explains. “While efficiency makes sense in many industries, I don’t believe it should be the driving force when it comes to your health or the health of your family. That model no longer aligned with how I believe patients should be cared for and it led me to discover the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model.”
The DPC model provides direct access to a physician, longer visits, continuity of care, and a smaller, more personal practice for a basic monthly membership fee. It has all the benefits of concierge medicine without the high cost. The model provides fee transparency and although patients are still encouraged to carry insurance for larger medical emergencies, the practice does not bill insurance. In many instances, pairing DPC with a high-deductible insurance plan can save money, especially when it cuts down on urgent care and emergency room visits.
“With Direct Primary Care, there are no surprises,” says Dr. Dorotik. “Patients know exactly what they’re paying each month, and that includes office visits, communication, and many in-office services like strep tests, COVID tests, and EKGs. Whether we see someone once a quarter or once a month, the cost stays the same.”
Flexibility is another trademark of the DPC model. Whereas in traditional practices, patients must see a physician in person regardless of the situation, Dr. Dorotik can address some issues over the phone or using the messaging portal. “In DPC, we meet patients where they are and care for them in the way that best fits their needs,” she shares. “For example, I had a patient who cut their hand and sent us a picture. I asked them to come in right away, we stitched them up, and the entire process took less than an hour. It was simple, convenient, and exactly the kind of care patients deserve.”
Because DPC practices are intentionally small and the model inherently flexible, Dr. Dorotik can allocate more time to getting to know her patients well. This allows her to see the larger health picture, which includes both physical and mental health, and address more than individual symptoms. “In many traditional settings, patients are limited to discussing one issue per visit. But health doesn’t work that way,” explains Dr. Dorotik. “Your knee pain may be affecting your back, which keeps you from exercising, which then impacts your mental health. Everything is connected, and we have the time to address it that way.”
As a family physician, Dr. Dorotik cares for patients of all ages and she greatly enjoys the multi-generational aspect of the practice. Her desire is to provide personalized, attentive care and be a resource for the community. “At the end of the day, we love what we do,” she says. “Practicing medicine this way has been a breath of fresh air. It allows us to truly connect with our patients, spend meaningful time with them, and deliver the kind of care we believe everyone deserves. We truly love what we do and feel so fortunate and blessed every day!”
For more information and to connect with Dr. Nicole Dorotik at Arvada Direct Primary Care, located at 8020 Lee Drive, visit ArvadaDPC.com or call 303-997-1655.