For most people, a trip to the doctor means crowded waiting rooms, rushed appointments and the sense that follow-up questions may have to wait until the next visit. MDVIP, a national network of physicians practicing personalized preventive care, is turning that experience on its head.

In the MDVIP model, affiliated doctors see fewer patients—600 or fewer versus 2,300 or more in traditional primary care practices. That smaller scale allows them to spend more time with patients, build long-term trust and offer conveniences like same- and next-day appointments.

They also have more time for prevention. Each year, members take part in a comprehensive wellness program that includes 18 or more advanced tests designed to detect risks earlier.

One example is body composition analysis, which goes far beyond the standard weigh-in. Just knowing your weight doesn’t tell you much and can be an inaccurate measure of health. But body composition looks at muscle, water and fat percentages to give your physician a more comprehensive look at your health. The test can also calculate resting metabolic rate and help doctors develop personalized weight management strategies for their patients.

The MDVIP approach is supported by 10 published studies. A landmark five-year study found that Medicare patients in MDVIP-affiliated practices had 79% fewer hospital admissions than those in traditional practices, while commercial patients had 72% fewer admissions.

Another study showed a 12% decrease in heart attacks and strokes combined among at-risk patients, underscoring the program’s long-term impact on chronic disease. Other studies show that patients in MDVIP-affiliated practices have better control of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

Listening first, treating second

The heart of MDVIP’s model is the time physicians spend listening to their patients. Whereas in traditional primary care, the doctor-patient relationship may seem transactional, the MDVIP model allows patients and doctors to spend time together and get to know each other. Studies have shown that strong doctor-patient relationships can lead to better health outcomes.

With longer appointments, patients have time to ask questions they may not have asked before. Doctors have time to follow up, educate and even advocate for patients.

Beyond prevention and testing, MDVIP-affiliated physicians have more availability. Same- or next-day appointments, after-hours availability for urgent calls and even physician support while traveling are built into the model. Patients don’t have to wait as long for appointments to start as they might in a typical primary care practice.

A return to care that feels personal

With more than 425,000 patients nationwide and over 1,300 affiliated doctors, MDVIP is scaling a model that feels refreshingly old-fashioned: a doctor who knows your name, your history and your goals.

Patients notice the difference. According to one study, MDVIP patients report being 97% satisfied with their physicians versus 58% for patients of traditional practices.

For many, that means having someone in their corner when it matters most.

Visit www.mdvip.com today to dive deeper into what it means to be an MDVIP patient.

The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.