Dr. Jack Forbush, DO is the owner of the Osteopathic Center for Family Medicine, Maine's first Direct Primary Care practice offering comprehensive, full-spectrum medical care for all ages including obstetrical and hospital care. He is also a founding member of both the Direct Primary Care Alliance and New England Direct Primary Care Alliance. Dr. Forbush has been and remains actively involved in "all things" related to Direct Primary Care. In addtion to the Direct Primary Care community, he serves in several leadership capacities in local, state, national and international organizations including the Andrea Ritz Clinics in Paraguay.

In this episode of the Business of Health podcast, Mike Martens sits down with Dr. Jack Forbush to discuss his unique perspective on medical practice and the concept of direct primary care. Dr. Forbush challenges the traditional healthcare system, encouraging listeners to think differently about how medical care is provided. He shares his personal journey and the benefits he has seen through implementing a direct primary care model in his own practice.

Dr. Jack Forbush begins by highlighting the frustrations he experienced with the system based on self-feeding and colluding arrangements. He shares how he discovered that medications and lab tests can be much cheaper than expected, and how negotiating and paying upfront for services without relying on insurance can be a refreshing change. He emphasizes the patient-centric approach in direct primary care practices, prioritizing accessibility and timely appointments.

The conversation delves into the growth of direct primary care organizations and their goal of providing resources, education, and support to physicians who practice this model. Dr. Forbush explains how more physicians are adopting direct primary care and how employers are becoming increasingly interested in this approach to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to their employees.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Jack Forbush highlights the benefits of direct primary care, including cost savings on medications, lab testing, and diagnostic procedures. He differentiates direct primary care from concierge medicine, emphasizing that it eliminates the complexities of insurance and enables a direct relationship between patients and physicians.

Join us in this informative episode as Dr. Jack Forbush shares his insights and experiences with direct primary care, challenging the traditional healthcare system and offering a new approach to providing high-quality, cost-effective care.

Three Takeaways

1. Direct primary care offers a patient-centric approach.
2. Employers are increasingly interested in direct primary care.
3. Direct primary care models eliminate the complexities of insurance.

Quote
“We really wanted to provide an avenue to get more physicians doing direct primary care and serve as resources.” -Dr. Jack Forbush

Resources
Email Dr. Jack Forbush: jforbush@ocfm.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jforbush

Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits
Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com

Krista Martens, MS, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist who has seven years of professional experience as a registered dietitian. Her graduate school experience allowed her to practice in clinical, research, food service and community settings. Krista aims to provide culturally appropriate, science based, and compassionate care to help others identify and succeed in reaching their long- term nutrition goals.

In this episode of the Business of Health podcast, Mike Martens speaks with Krista Martens about the crucial role of nutrition in overall wellness. Krista, with her expertise in nutrition and experience working with clients, sheds light on the difference between 'hashtag wellness' and true wellness, emphasizing the significance of mental health in adopting a healthy lifestyle.

In today's social media-driven world, there is a perception of wellness propagated by diet programs promising quick results. However, true wellness encompasses various factors, including social well-being, mental health, physical health, and dietary lifestyle. Krista also highlights the importance of recognizing real wellness beyond its superficial portrayal on social platforms.

Krista Martens points out that mental health plays a vital role in individuals' journey towards a healthy lifestyle. When it comes to nutrition, many clients have underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or disordered eating. This necessitates collaboration between dieticians and mental health professionals to address these complex challenges comprehensively.

The concept of a sustainable lifestyle is introduced as an alternative to fad diets. Krista emphasizes the need for long-term changes in diet and exercise that are personalized to individual needs. Unlike diets that promise quick weight loss, a healthy lifestyle leads to sustainable outcomes, preventing disordered eating behaviors and promoting overall wellness.

By focusing on mental health, adopting personalized lifestyle changes, and seeking professional guidance, individuals can achieve holistic wellness.

Three Takeaways

1. Understand the changing needs of the aging population.
2. Advocate for comprehensive long-term care coverage.
3. Promote aging in place with dignity.

Quote
“If we eat and exercise a certain way, then we get to look a certain way.” -Krista Martens

Resources
Email Krista Martens: k2ocunningham@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/krista-cunningham-ms-rdn-cdn-037955ba

Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits
Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com

Dr. Char Hu is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Helper Bees, an insurtech company successfully improving the home care experience for the payer and care recipient. They work with some of the world’s largest insurance carriers to deliver transformative experiences in digitization, sourcing great care options, and applying machine learning to power intelligent care and claim analytics and processing

In this episode of the Business of Health podcast, Mike Martens welcomes Dr. Char Hu to discuss the topic of Aging in Place with Dignity. Dr. Char Hu, who has personal experience caring for aging parents, shares insights and expertise on the challenges and opportunities in the aging care industry. They delve into the importance of long-term care insurance, the evolving landscape of in-home caregiving, and the need for human-centered design in the aging population.

As the average age in the US rises and the baby boomer generation enters their senior years, the topic of aging care has become more critical than ever before. Dr. Char Hu emphasizes the importance of long-term care insurance in ensuring a dignified aging experience. With the costs of in-home care, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities soaring, long-term care insurance provides financial security and peace of mind.

Dr. Char Hu also highlights the significance of open dialogue with aging relatives and loved ones about their preferences and needs. By prioritizing choice, dignity, and well-being, we can ensure that aging individuals can age in place with the support and resources they require.

Another crucial aspect discussed in the episode is the limited coverage provided by Medicare for long-term care facilities and caregivers. While Medicare does not cover custodial care, some Medicare Advantage plans have started incorporating certain non-medical services. This expansion of coverage is a positive step forward, but there is still work to be done to ensure comprehensive support for the aging population.

By understanding the challenges and opportunities in the aging care industry, we can ensure the dignity and well-being of our loved ones as they navigate their golden years.

Three Takeaways

1. Understand the changing needs of the aging population.
2. Advocate for comprehensive long-term care coverage.
3. Promote aging in place with dignity.

Quote
“Since 1960, life expectancy has grown by 20 years.” -Dr. Char Hu

Resources

Email Dr. Char Hu: char@thehelperbees.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/charhu

Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits
Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com