Changing Healthcare in Atlanta: Harken Health
(Note to readers: I was compensated to visit a Harken Health facility and find out more about the way they work. As always, my opinion remains my own, and I would never send you somewhere I wouldn’t send my best friend.)
“Relationships heal people. Not transactions.”
Ask most people what their biggest complaint about their doctor is these days, and odds are it’s that they wait forever to see them, and once they do, they’re in with them for just a few minutes. One recent study showed some doctors spend less than nine minutes with each patient. Often, they’re under pressure to get to the next patient. In the revolving door, they still end up getting further behind for each appointment as the day goes on and need to make the time up somewhere.
Everyone ends up stressed and frustrated, and if you’re already sick, it doesn’t take much to turn cranky into downright disgusted.
Well, there’s a new concept in healthcare aimed at ending that kind of care, and those of us in Atlanta are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of this novel new option.
It’s part of Harken Health. Their basic premise is that people need to be cared for. Many would argue that’s not happening with the current healthcare situation. Harken Health aims to change that.
Harken Health has six centers in Atlanta (and four in Chicago if you happen to know someone there). I recently visited the office in Brookhaven and walked out in awe. The office not only has exam rooms for doctor’s visits, but also has other rooms set up for appointments with counselors in case you need some mental healthcare, equipment to run light lab work like strep tests, blood tests and glucose testing.
There’s also space for doctors to meet patients and families to talk through options outside an exam room.
And there’s space for classes to be held at the centers, whether it’s healthy cooking sessions or yoga or Zumba class (a free perk for being part of this health plan).
But the real appeal is this: you can go see your doctor as many times as you think you need—without a fee beyond your monthly insurance premium.
It’s part of the package of unlimited, no-charge primary care visits at Harken Health Centers; a dedicated, personal Care Team available by phone, email, text or video chat; and unlimited 24/7 access to their Harken Health care team at their local center. There’s also prescription drug coverage, online ordering and optional home delivery.
All of that boils down to a combined, no-charge primary care and simple insurance model, packed with perks.
People who want insurance coverage can choose from Gold, Silver or Bronze plans and a health insurance tax credit can be applied.
If you’re interested, you have a few days left this year to apply for coverage (unless you have a change of life circumstance which allows for changes after the deadline). The deadline is January 31st, so check it out soon!
