EMPOWER FAMILY MEDICINE
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    • Melissa Black M.D.
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DIRECT PRIMARY CARE
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209A Swanton Way, Suite 101     Decatur, GA 30030     Phone (404)981-6278     Fax (888)213-8479
​Dr. Black's practice is now accepting patients for EldercareMD services, ages 60+ at this time.  If you are interested in the EldercareMD service for yourself or your loved one, please call 404-981-6278 for more information and scheduling.

WHAT MAKES OUR PRACTICE UNIQUE?

Relationship

Wouldn't it be nice to have a trusted family doctor to call directly when you have a health related question or need? Ideal medical practices focus on creating strong relationships between patients and their primary care doctor.   We provide care in collaboration with you and your other specialists, focused on reaching your health goals. Evidence based primary care in accordance with national guidelines is paired with integrative and functional medicine counselling upon request. 



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Approach

Have you ever felt like your doctor is in a rush or consumed with computer tasks? Insurance companies including Medicare have lowered the rates they pay for primary care and tied payments to completing lengthy computerized checklists. The only way a physician can meet the expenses of running an office is to see more patients, and spend more time entering data.  By cutting the cord between primary care and insurance with direct primary care, doctors have more time to actually care for patients again.​
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Accessibility

Most clinics rely on staff to take calls and relay messages to your doctor. Instead, Empower Family Medicine allows patients to directly reach their doctor to more quickly address health concerns.  Visits are 30-60 minutes.   Your physician is available by office visit, telephone or messaging to help coordinate your care whether you are at home, in the clinic, rehab or hospital.  In a healthcare system increasingly fragmented, your primary care doctor becomes "the constant" in your care.​
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Is this a Concierge practice?
No. Concierge medicine is typically a high overhead practice structured like a traditional clinic, with a low volume of patients allowing more time with a physician. Most concierge practices bill your insurance for each visit in addition to a yearly or monthly retainer fee.  

Direct Primary Care
Direct primary care is designed to be a low cost, high quality primary care. This is made possible by low business overhead, minimized staff and maximized technology including on-line self scheduling and enhanced electronic medical records & communication.   Our goal is to make direct primary care accessible for most people. The DPC model lowers health costs by reducing the price of medications and testing, reducing use of urgent or emergency care when possible, and by lowering the risk of medical errors from uncoordinated care. Cost saving benefits of DPC membership include:
  • Access to a wholesale pharmacy in some cases saving patients $300+ per year 
  • Low cost cash pay lab services, often cheaper than through insurance plans
  • Faster access to your physician, helping to avoid urgent care or emergency care when possible
  • Care coordination across settings helps reduce the chance of medical errors and complications from uncoordinated care
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