Thread by @Cotton_MT

So what is Direct Primary Care? Dr. Harrop from Polson describes it like this: "at it’s very basic level, DPC is an agreement between you and your doctor. I work for you, not your insurance company.”

Here's a #mtpol #mtleg thread on the benefits of DPC, in Doctor's own words:

https://twitter.com/FrontierMontana/status/1326691183108661248

Dr. Bridges in Missoula explains DPC fosters stronger doctor-patient relationships, helping w/ prevention:

“The average emergency room charge in this country now is like $2,600. That's 3 years of primary care paid for if I can prevent you from going into one emergency"

#mtpol

Another benefit of eliminating the insurance middleman w/ DPC is transparent REAL prices, not just estimates.

“I can tell you right now for example that the cost of a cholesterol panel is $7.50, no more, no less.” - Dr. Coleman, Whitefish

#mtpol

DPC also appeals to many doctors, reducing administration and overhead to allow more time to focus on patients.

Dr. Bergland in Whitefish explains: “I went to medical school to take care of people, not to break their bank accounts.”

#mtpol

But here's the problem: @GovernorBullock has vetoed past attempts to authorize Direct Care in state law, creating uncertainty for patients and for employers who want to offer DPC as a benefit to their employees.

#mtleg could change this by authorizing Direct Care in 2021. #mtpol

There's also room to go even farther: Montana could pursue an 1115 waiver to let Medicaid patients use DPC, and the State Health plan could consider incorporating the model - both have the potential to save program $ and promote better patient outcomes.

#mtpol