Rather than typical office visits, DPC Healthcare is conducting the majority of its patient visits remotely using technology.
“It has been beneficial to our patients during the pandemic because they don’t have to come in and see us,” Pham said. “[Telemedicine] lets us continue to be able to provide the care we want for our patients.”
Although most appointments for the practice are conducted via video chat, patients still have the option of coming into the office, especially for more serious ailments, Pham said. The goal for the practice is 24/7 patient access to their medical care provider.
“So if they’re not feeling good at three in the morning, they can call us, and we will be there for them,” she said.
Members of the DPC Healthcare service have access to a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-secure application known as Spruce, Lam said. The app allows patients to schedule regular and follow-up appointments and to connect with their doctor via video chat, text or phone call.
While other medical practices were limited by the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, the Spruce app and general concierge-type care that DPC provides helped the practice increase its patient pool, Pham said.
“We gained patients by being able to be there for them during that time,” she said. “We were really lucky in that aspect. Now, we’re still continuing business and slowly opening things back up to see patients [in the office].”
DPC currently manages around 500-600 patients at its Alliance office. It also normally operates a mobile health care unit, but that has been on hold during the pandemic, Pham said. For in-office visits, face masks are still required for staff and patients, and staff are regularly sanitizing oft-touched areas.
“A lot of patients are coming back now, and we’re still here for them,” Pham said. “With the pandemic still circulating, we are still able to connect and provide the care we want for people who may not feel comfortable.”
DPC Healthcare
4561 Heritage Trace Parkway, Ste. 109, Fort Worth
682-200-0035
www.dpchealthcare.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m.-noon, closed Sat.-Sun.
