A father-daughter medical practice in Honolulu is revolutionizing the way they provide healthcare by cutting out the middle man – health insurance companies. Dr. Curtis Takemoto-Gentile and his daughter Dr. Krishanna Takemoto-Gentile have adopted a direct primary care model, where patients pay a monthly fee for better access to the doctor. This approach allows them to focus on quality over quantity, spending more time with each patient and providing personalized care.
The decision to switch to this model was driven by the rising costs and regulations associated with traditional healthcare. The doctors felt that the pressure to see more patients in less time was compromising the quality of care they could provide. By not taking health insurance, they can now allocate more time to each patient, with appointments lasting 30 minutes instead of the usual 10-15 minutes.
The new model has been a game-changer for the doctors, who have gone from seeing 25 patients a day to just 10. This reduction in patient load has allowed them to reestablish meaningful relationships with their patients and provide better primary and preventive care. The membership fee for the practice is $200 per month for adults, with discounts available for teens and students. Members can still use their insurance to pay for referrals to specialists and medications at the pharmacy.
The Takemoto-Gentiles’ approach is not without its critics, who argue that the direct primary care model may not be accessible to everyone, particularly those who cannot afford the monthly fee. However, the doctors believe that their model is a more humane and sensible approach to healthcare, allowing them to provide high-quality care without the burden of insurance companies. In fact, this model is keeping them from burning out and allowing them to stay in the workforce longer.
The move to direct primary care comes at a time when Hawaii is facing a growing physician shortage. While some may criticize the model for reducing the number of patients the doctors can see, the Takemoto-Gentiles believe that their approach will ultimately lead to better health outcomes and more satisfied patients. As Dr. Curtis notes, “It’s not going to be for everybody, but it’s a nice option if you don’t want to wait nine months to see a primary care doctor for 10 minutes.”