BY MARLA BALLARD

REPORTER

FORT PAYNE - In 1996 the first concierge medical practice was formed in

Seattle, Washington. Two physicians were the founders and began the new

quality of medicine due to what they felt was a lack of quality time with

patients, and sensing that patients felt their needs were going unmet. By

2002, just 50 concierge medical practices existed, now there are over 10,000

across the United States. - According to dedication-health.com.

While the initial models, of such care, catered only to the wealthy,

concierge medicine is now within reach of a wider range of the populace. As

with any business growth is driven by demand and it appears that the growth

of concierge medicine is driven by patient's who desire longer visits and

more access to their Provider.

In 2016 Dr. Chad Williamson opened DeKalb MD in Fort Payne which follows a

similar model as concierge medical practices. "We do not technically call

ourselves a concierge practice, we prefer the label 'Direct Primary Care,'"

said Dr. Williamson. "One of our goals is to make access to medical care

easier for the patient by giving the patients a phone number for direct

access to their medical provider even after hours for emergencies."

Having this type of access saves a patient from making an unnecessary trip

to the doctor's office when a matter can be handled by phone.

DeKalb MD is a network of Direct Primary Care Clinics located in Alabama,

Georgia, and Tennessee that operate on a monthly membership fee and does not

take insurance. Any procedure or test that can be done in the office is

included in the monthly fee. If it is medically indicated, house calls and

after-hours visits are offered at no additional charge. Other outside lab

testing and imaging have been negotiated at a greatly reduced price.

Another benefit of DeKalb MD is the reduced waiting time to get an

appointment and to see a Provider. A 2018 a study by Vitals determined

patients wait for an average of 18 minutes to see their physician. Most

concierge practices guarantee same-day or next-day appointments with

virtually no waiting at the office. DeKalb MD also has the convenience of

prescription pickup of non-controlled medications.

Additionally, the office provides more than just the treatment of a current

health issue, preventative care is presented using wellness services and

health coaching. "We focus on the whole person, on both their physical and

mental well-being," said Dr. Williamson. "We advocate living a heathy

lifestyle." DeKalb MD hosts a gym with workout equipment, yoga classes, and

shower facilities. Patients have 24/7 access to the gym. Weight loss plans

include meal programs and metabolism-boosting injections.

DeKalb MD offers a courtesy visit at no charge to ask questions to help

potential patients determine if DeKalb MD is the best option for them.

Phone: 256-979-1633. Located at 617 Gault Ave. N. Fort Payne. For more

information go to dekalbmd.com and Facebook.