Preventative medicine should be the cornerstone of every primary care practice. However, due to a shortage of over 23,000 primary care physicians in the U.S., declining insurance reimbursements, and the growing employment of physicians by insurance companies (United Healthcare and others), pharmacies (CVS and others), and large hospital systems, primary care in the U.S. has shifted from prevention to reaction. The current model often asks, “Are you sick enough for care?”— a question tied to higher insurance payouts — rather than focusing on proactive, preventative strategies.
Patients seeking knowledgeable, proactive physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants often find themselves underserved in these environments. Labeled the “worried well,” these individuals are typically healthy but inquisitive, asking detailed questions and requiring more time than the standard 15-minute appointment allows. At our practice, we don’t just welcome these patients — we celebrate them.
Wellness medicine offers a proactive approach to healthcare that emphasizes maintaining and enhancing health before conditions develop. Instead of reacting to illness, it focuses on building resilience by optimizing nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Our approach also includes advanced lab testing to identify potential health risks early, giving patients the opportunity to address and mitigate risks before they escalate into significant health issues. By prioritizing prevention, we empower patients to achieve their best quality of life.