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Q&A: 10 Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask Your Doctor

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Something that is always talked about in Direct Care is the doctor-patient relationship. But how can patients get to know their doctor on a more personal level? Asking questions is one of the best ways to ensure you and your doctor are on the same page and a great way for you to get to know your doctor on a more personal level.

Meet Dr. Kimberly Jones-Mudd, you can call her Dr. Jones. She joined R-Health Ewing last month as a Board-certified Family Physician. You’ll find that Dr. Jones enjoys partnering with her patients to help them achieve their best health, and prefers to take a holistic approach incorporating mind, body, and spirit when creating a plan of care. But, to ensure Dr. Jones’ patients really know her, we asked 10 questions that you most likely always wanted to ask your doctor, yet never did.

 

Q: How did you end up going into medicine?

Jones: My decision to become a family medicine physician was a calling. Those who know me well will say I spoke of becoming a doctor in elementary school. I looked at other options after graduation from undergrad, but nothing gave me the same fulfillment. I feel compelled to serve others, help people lead healthy lives, and provide the assistance to help with healing when illness occurs.

 

Q: What would you be doing if you hadn’t gone into medicine?

Jones: I’d probably considered law. I was a Political Science Major.

 

Q: What job would you be terrible at?

Jones: IT, research, or anything that lacks day-to-day human interaction.

 

Q: What is one stereotype about doctors that you’d like to put to rest?

Jones: I would like people to know that not all physicians are judgemental and while we act as guides in offering care, the patient has autonomy in making decisions.

 

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

Jones: All things Hallmark. If someone were to turn on my TV at any given point, it would most likely be on the Hallmark Channel.

 

Q: What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Jones: I wouldn’t call it a hobby, but I have always wanted to learn sign language.

 

Q: Do you have any pets or kids?

Jones: I have a 6-year-old daughter and a dog.

 

Q: How different was your life one year ago?

Jones: My life has been stable since my daughter was born. It just gets busier in juggling her extracurricular activities.

 

Q: What are you most likely to become famous for?

Jones: I have no desire to be famous. However, I hope when people think of me, professionally and personally, they see my desire to help others as the thing that motivates me.

 

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

Jones: My daughter, because I want to serve as a role model for her.

 

To learn more about Dr. Jones, visit https://www.r-health.md/dr-jones/.

Primary Care Isn’t Secondary

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Primary care matters, plain and simple. Though in recent years it seems to be undervalued, primary care remains in fact a central part of everyone’s long-term health. How big of a role? According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), areas with higher concentrations of primary care physicians are linked to lower death rates for cancer, heart disease, and stroke, while also leading to lower level of hospital admissions.

Primary care also helps lower the costs healthcare presents. In addition to fewer hospitalizations, there’s less duplication of treatment as well as better use of technology, all cumulating into 33% lower healthcare related costs.

Primary care reinforces the doctor-patient relationship allowing for a “continuity of care.”  You’re able to establish a relationship and build upon it year after year while receiving tangible benefits like acute, chronic, and preventive care, along with a wide range of other services. R-Health’s Direct Care Model allows for this multi-faceted, consistent approach.

  • Family Care – We’re able to see and treat family members of all ages. Having this continuity and trust allows the full scope of one’s health to put into context, especially how it may relate to the rest of the family. Having a strong relationship within the family helps the doctors with insight knowledge, given them understanding on health patterns that you may be facing, and can even save you from unnecessary tests.
  • Unlimited Access – Having a doctor to take care of the family is great, unless they’re unavailable. That’s not a problem with R-Health’s Direct Care model due to the 24/7 unlimited access available for patients to their doctors. Phone calls, a secure mobile app, and a member portal are just a few of the ways you’re able to stay in contact with your doctor no matter where you’re at.
  • Convenience – Not only are there no co-pays, but with the use of our data and technology systems, coupled with the care coordination, we remove the barriers to the doctors and our doctors help members navigate a complex health care system seamlessly.

Great primary care allows you to see the bigger picture. A doctor who can take care of all your needs, both long-term and short-term. And a model of healthcare that saves costs, but not at the expense of the doctor-patient relationship or the diverse health network that’s available.

R-Health Announces Funding from Reinvestment Fund

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$2 Million Loan to Support Further Direct Primary Care Expansion in New Jersey

R-Health, a leader in innovative primary care solutions, today announced the company has closed on a $2 million loan from Reinvestment Fund. The funding will support R-Health’s continued expansion of Direct Primary Care practices throughout the State of New Jersey.

R-Health’s expansion in New Jersey is focused on the State’s program to provide a no cost membership to an R-Health Direct Primary Care practice to public sector employees and their family members enrolled in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) or School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). R-Health currently has four practices in Ewing, Haddonfield, Moorestown, and Washington Crossing, providing exceptional relationship-based primary care to members of the SHBP and SEHBP.

The goal of the New Jersey Direct Primary Care program is to transform primary care from the legacy model that is episodic, transactional, and focused on treating illnesses and maximizing billing volume, to a refreshing new model that is continuous, relationship-based, and focused on helping patients achieve optimum health. Reinvestment Fund’s loan will support R-Health’s launch of multiple new locations across New Jersey including Cherry Hill, Hamilton, New Brunswick, and Voorhees, among others.

“We are thrilled to announce the support of Reinvestment Fund in R-Health’s continued growth and our goal to improve access to high-quality primary care for public sector workers across New Jersey,” said Mason Reiner, R-Health CEO. “It is critical to have the support of a renowned mission-driven lender that understands the positive social impact that can be achieved with better access to superior primary care.”

“R-Health has the opportunity to demonstrate how improved access and availability to personalized primary care can improve health outcomes and reduce costs for public sector workers and tax payers in New Jersey,” said Bridget Wiedeman, Senior Director for Health Services at Reinvestment Fund. “Reducing overall healthcare costs in New Jersey through improved primary care will also free up public funds for investment in other high-priority social services.”

R-Health’s approach to Direct Primary Care in New Jersey is focused on removing all barriers to high quality primary care. This includes a membership covered 100% by the NJ SHBP / SEHBP, no co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs for patients, 24/7 access to a personal primary care doctor, a patient panel that is less than half of a traditional primary care physician, and absolutely no fee-for-service billing. R-Health primary care doctors offer longer appointments, same-day and next-day appointments, little to no wait to see the doctor, and onsite lab draws. R-Health doctors also dispense medications for acute conditions and administer immunizations onsite, creating a one-stop-shop for comprehensive primary care.

More information can be found at www.r-health.md/nj.

About R-Health: R-Health delivers more effective care and a better patient experience – all at a lower cost. We partner with employers, unions, insurance companies and TPAs to offer primary care that’s truly collaborative. This is accomplished through the traditional core values of convenient, personal primary care; our innovative data analytics and patient engagement platforms that streamline care, delivering better outcomes, lower costs and a refreshing patient experience; and the proactive management of chronic conditions. For more information, visit www.R-Health.md.

About Reinvestment Fund: Reinvestment Fund is a catalyst for change in low-income communities. We integrate data, policy and strategic investments to improve the quality of life in low-income neighborhoods. Using analytical and financial tools, we bring high-quality grocery stores, affordable housing, schools and health centers to the communities that need better access—creating anchors that attract investment over the long term and help families lead healthier, more productive lives. Learn more at reinvestment.com.

Three Quick and Easy Ways to Prevent the Flu

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There’s nothing quite like the weather in…February? And although everyone seems to be enjoying the spontaneous springtime weather, it’s important to remember that we’re still in the peak of flu season. Given such, it’s vital to take the right steps to prevent catching the virus.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined three simple actions you, and those closest to you, are urged to follow – starting with getting a flu vaccine. In reality, I’m sure we all know people who forego the recommended yearly vaccine. However, due to the various flu viruses attainable, the vaccination plays a major role in reducing flu-related hospitalizations, illnesses, and missed time. This is especially the case for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and children; as they are at higher risk of the flu. Though one may be averse to needles, that’s nothing your favorite song or podcast can’t get you through.

The second action is simple: take preventive measures to stop the spread of germs. These are common courtesy factoids such as the following:

  • Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing
  • Wash your hands with soap and water
  • Stay home if you’re sick/avoid close contact with people who are sick

Along with avoiding touching facial features to deter germ spread, it’s wise you keep a bottle of sanitizer handy, and a few wipes for good measure.

Finally, the last method is if you do contract the flu, you may need to take flu antiviral drugs, as prescribed by your doctor. And, if you have not had a flu vaccine but have had close contact with someone that has the flu, your doctor may also recommend antiviral drugs.

Studies show that antiviral drugs garner the best results when started within two days of getting sick or being exposed to the flu virus. Therefore, in the unfortunate case that you contract the flu, or you are unvaccinated and have been in close contact with someone that has the flu, it’s best to reach out to your doctor immediately and follow his or her instructions to best treat your illness.

Your doctor can help figure out a treatment plan to help you get good and healthy once the true springtime weather rolls around!

Dr. Randi Protter is a physician at R-Health Ewing.