The cost of staying well
A few months ago I saw an article on the Renaissance Periodization blog about SteadyMD, a new remote concierge medical service focused on athletes. I immediately put my name on the list – I liked the emphasis on fitness/wellness (vs. waiting to treat disease) and of course the unique business model – pay a small monthly fee to have 24/7 access to your personal doctor?! Via phone text or app. Seriously?
I got an email welcoming me, and that my Doctor would be in touch soon. I picked Dr. Danielle DonDiego. And then nothing, for several months. I emailed support and was told her medical license in Colorado had been applied for, and she could work with me once she’d obtained it. I had my first appointment on Monday – a 1 hour zoom meeting. When is the last time you spent an hour, uninterrupted, just chatting with your doctor without being there to treat some symptom or medical issue? And now apparently I can set up unlimited appointments, chats, texts, etc.
I have 30 days to decide if I will commit for a full year. I don’t have any urgent/chronic medical issues that I’m managing. I have good regular medical insurance. I’m used to just waiting for my annual visits – with my ob/gyn or my dermatologist. What would actually I text Dr. DonDiego about? I’m still pondering this. I recently turned 50, and since I don’t have a PCP, I have so far skipped the fun of my first colonoscopy. Apparently the recommendations have changed to age 45 (see e.g. American Cancer Society) so I could have her help me set that up and have her view the results. Fun times. She can also order blood work or prescribe drugs or vaccinations. It’s not like she can listen to my heart or personally measure my blood pressure, but those things tend to happen at least annually with my other doctors. Thoughts? Ideas? Comments?