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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[31,22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-222755","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-care","category-insurance"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9ibIB-VWP","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":222761,"url":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/2026\/01\/29\/nobody-wants-to-find-a-new-doctor\/","url_meta":{"origin":222755,"position":0},"title":"Nobody Wants to Find a New Doctor","author":"Team Small News","date":"January 29, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The article from Bloomberg highlights the challenges of finding a new doctor in the United States. With the rise of consumerism in healthcare, patients are increasingly expecting a more personalized and convenient experience. However, the process of finding a new doctor remains frustrating and time-consuming. According to a survey, 75%\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Care"","block_context":{"text":"Care","link":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/category\/care\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":222721,"url":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/2026\/01\/23\/9-best-countries-for-healthcare-important-info-for-expatssingapore-known-for-its-high-quality-healthcare-system-singapore-offers-excellent-medical-facilities-and-highly-trained-doctors-the-cou\/","url_meta":{"origin":222755,"position":1},"title":"9 Best Countries for Healthcare (Important Info for Expats)\n\n\nSingapore: Known for its high-quality healthcare system, Singapore offers excellent medical facilities and highly trained doctors. The country has a well-organized healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals providing top-notch care.\n\n\nSwitzerland: Switzerland boasts a highly developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical facilities and specialized treatments available. The country is also home to many international health organizations, including the World Health Organization.\n\n\nJapan: Japan’s healthcare system is renowned for its high standards, with a strong emphasis on preventative care. The country has a large number of high-quality hospitals and medical facilities, and its doctors are highly trained.\n\n\nSweden: Sweden’s healthcare system is known for its equality and accessibility, with everyone having access to high-quality medical care regardless of income. The country also has a strong focus on preventative care and health promotion.\n\n\nCanada: Canada’s healthcare system is publicly funded and provides comprehensive coverage to all citizens. The country has a high standard of medical care, with well-equipped hospitals and highly trained doctors.\n\n\nGermany: Germany has a well-regarded healthcare system, with a wide range of medical facilities and specialized treatments available. The country is also home to many world-class hospitals and research institutions.\n\n\nAustralia: Australia’s healthcare system is known for its high standards, with a strong emphasis on preventative care. The country has a large number of high-quality hospitals and medical facilities, and its doctors are highly trained.\n\n\nNetherlands: The Netherlands has a well-organized healthcare system, with a strong focus on preventative care and health promotion. The country also has a high standard of medical care, with well-equipped hospitals and highly trained doctors.\n\n\nNew Zealand: New Zealand’s healthcare system is publicly funded and provides comprehensive coverage to all citizens. The country has a high standard of medical care, with well-equipped hospitals and highly trained doctors, and a strong emphasis on preventative care and health promotion.","author":"Team Small News","date":"January 23, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Comparing healthcare systems internationally is a valuable tool for identifying areas of strength and weakness. These comparisons often evaluate various aspects of healthcare, including the delivery of care, patient outcomes, healthcare expenditures, mortality rates, and access to preventive care. However, it's challenging to determine the \"best\" healthcare system using a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Care"","block_context":{"text":"Care","link":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/category\/care\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":222681,"url":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/2026\/01\/15\/massachusetts-health-insurance-prior-authorizations-to-face-restrictions-according-to-healey\/","url_meta":{"origin":222755,"position":2},"title":"Massachusetts health insurance prior authorizations to face restrictions, according to Healey.","author":"Team Small News","date":"January 15, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has announced a comprehensive plan to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to residents. The plan includes updated insurance regulations that will eliminate prior authorization requirements for emergency and urgent care services, primary care, chronic care, occupational and physical therapy, and certain prescription drugs. Prior authorization\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Care"","block_context":{"text":"Care","link":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/category\/care\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":222774,"url":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/2026\/02\/09\/the-rising-cost-of-health-care-is-a-complex-issue-with-multiple-contributing-factors-some-of-the-key-reasons-includeadvancements-in-medical-technology-new-treatments-medications-and-equipment\/","url_meta":{"origin":222755,"position":3},"title":"The rising cost of health care is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Some of the key reasons include:\n\n\nAdvancements in Medical Technology: New treatments, medications, and equipment are continually being developed, which can drive up costs. These advancements often come with a high price tag, contributing to increased healthcare expenditures.\n\n\nAging Population: As the population ages, there is a greater demand for health care services. Older adults typically require more medical care due to age-related health issues, leading to higher costs.\n\n\nChronic Diseases: The prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity has increased. Managing these conditions often requires ongoing, costly treatments and medications.\n\n\nAdministrative Costs: The healthcare system involves a significant amount of administrative work, including billing, insurance claims, and regulatory compliance. These tasks are costly and contribute to the overall expense of healthcare.\n\n\nPharmaceutical Prices: The cost of prescription medications has risen significantly. New and innovative drugs, especially those for rare or complex conditions, can be very expensive.\n\n\nDefensive Medicine: To avoid potential lawsuits, healthcare providers may order additional tests or procedures, which can drive up costs without necessarily improving patient outcomes.\n\n\nInsurance and Payment Systems: The way healthcare is financed, including insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays, can make it inaccessible or unaffordable for many people, affecting the overall cost landscape.\n\n\nHospital and Healthcare Facility Costs: The cost of maintaining and operating hospitals and other healthcare facilities, including staff salaries, equipment, and supplies, contributes to the overall expense of healthcare.\n\n\nRegulatory Compliance: Healthcare providers must comply with a myriad of regulations, which can be costly in terms of time, personnel, and resources.\n\n\nLack of Transparency and Competition: In some areas, limited competition among healthcare providers and a lack of price transparency can lead to higher costs, as consumers may not be able to make informed decisions based on price and quality.","author":"Team Small News","date":"February 9, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The rising cost of health insurance in the United States is a pressing concern, with premiums for employer-sponsored insurance expected to increase by 9% in 2026. Public spending on Medicare, Medicaid, and Obamacare is also surging. However, this increase is not due to excessive profits among insurers or hospitals, but\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Care"","block_context":{"text":"Care","link":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/category\/care\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":222710,"url":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/2026\/01\/21\/athenahealth-oscar-health-clover-health-bright-health-devoted-health-alignment-healthcare-villagemd-oak-street-health-cityblock-health-agilon-health-carbon-health-forward-medarrive-docto\/","url_meta":{"origin":222755,"position":4},"title":"athenahealth \nOscar Health \nClover Health \nBright Health \nDevoted Health \nAlignment Healthcare \nVillageMD \nOak Street Health \nCityblock Health \nAgilon Health \nCarbon Health \nForward \nMedArrive \nDoctor on Demand \nTeladoc Health \nAmerican Well \nOne Medical \nIora Health \nCrossover Health \nVera Whole Health \nElevance Health \nSomatus \nTranscarent \nClarify Health \nLyra Health \nGinger \nHinge Health \nSword Health \nKaia Health \nModern Health \nSpring Health \nCerebral \nCalm \nHeadspace \nHappify \nTruepill \nThirty Madison \nRo \nHims & Hers \nNurx \nWheel \nMedically Home \nDispatchHealth \nHospital at Home \nBiofourmis \nViz.ai \nAetion \nKomodo Health \nHealthVerity \nInnovaccer \nCareCloud \nZocdoc \nLoxo \nDiameter Health \nApixio \nSansoro Health \nRedox \nDatica \nCloudMedx \nCureMetrix \nAbridge \nAugmedix \nConversa Health \nHealthify \nFitbit \nOmada Health","author":"Team Small News","date":"January 21, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The healthcare industry is experiencing a significant transformation with the introduction of technologically advanced products and services by startups. Despite being governed by regulations, these startups are revolutionizing the sector by leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analysis to disrupt inefficient processes. As a result, healthcare professionals can\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Care"","block_context":{"text":"Care","link":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/category\/care\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":222711,"url":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/2026\/01\/21\/international-comparison-of-health-systemsthe-performance-of-healthcare-systems-varies-significantly-across-countries-factors-such-as-access-to-care-quality-of-care-and-health-outcomes-are-often-u\/","url_meta":{"origin":222755,"position":5},"title":"International Comparison of Health Systems\nThe performance of healthcare systems varies significantly across countries. Factors such as access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes are often used to compare health systems internationally.\nKey Indicators:\n\nLife Expectancy: Average number of years a person is expected to live.\nInfant Mortality Rate: Number of deaths per 1,000 live births.\nMortality Amenable to Healthcare: Deaths from conditions that are treatable with timely and effective healthcare.\nPatient Satisfaction: Patients’ perceived quality of care and satisfaction with healthcare services.\nHealthcare Spending: Percentage of GDP spent on healthcare.\n\nCountry Comparison:\n\nUnited States:\nHigh healthcare spending (17.1% of GDP)\nAverage life expectancy (78.7 years)\nHigh infant mortality rate (5.8 per 1,000 live births)\n\n\nCanada:\nUniversal healthcare system\nLower healthcare spending (10.4% of GDP)\nHigher life expectancy (81.9 years)\nLower infant mortality rate (4.5 per 1,000 live births)\n\n\nUnited Kingdom:\nNational Health Service (NHS) provides universal coverage\nLower healthcare spending (9.8% of GDP)\nHigher life expectancy (80.7 years)\nLower infant mortality rate (3.9 per 1,000 live births)\n\n\nAustralia:\nMixed public-private healthcare system\nHigher healthcare spending (9.5% of GDP)\nHigher life expectancy (82.5 years)\nLower infant mortality rate (3.2 per 1,000 live births)\n\n\nJapan:\nUniversal healthcare system\nHigh life expectancy (84.7 years)\nLow infant mortality rate (2.1 per 1,000 live births)\nHigh healthcare spending (11.4% of GDP)\n\n\n\nCommon Challenges:\n\nAging Populations: Increasing demand for healthcare services.\nRising Healthcare Costs: Balancing quality and affordability.\nHealth Inequalities: Disparities in access to care and health outcomes.\nWorkforce Shortages: Attracting and retaining healthcare professionals.\n\nBest Practices:\n\nPrimary Care: Emphasizing preventive care and community-based services.\nIntegrated Care: Coordinating care across settings and providers.\nPatient-Centered Care: Focusing on patient needs and preferences.\nInnovative Technologies: Leveraging digital health and data analytics to improve care.","author":"Team Small News","date":"January 21, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The United States spends significantly more on healthcare per person compared to other high-income countries. In 2020, the US spent 19.5% of its GDP on healthcare, which is substantially higher than other peer countries. This gap has been widening over the past five decades, with the US spending about 7%\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Care"","block_context":{"text":"Care","link":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/category\/care\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/222755","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=222755"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/222755\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=222755"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=222755"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smallnews.in\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=222755"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}