Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Lani Braun
Hi Dr. Lani, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Quito-Ecuador. I was lucky to get a student position in a Medical School in Guadalajara-Mexico and after finishing 4 years of studies, 1 year of internship and 1 year of social service (working with native communities) I graduated. After passing my medical boards, I was blessed to get a position to continue my career in Chicago-IL. I met my husband during my Intern (1st) year. We lived in Chicago for 8 years and ended up moving to Miami, FL so he could continue his career in Nephrology at UM. For the next 11 years, I worked for a company dedicated to senior citizens with Medicare and HMO medical insurances. Initially I was moved and encourage by feeling a sense of pride in helping the elderly population like I helped the native communities in Mexico. Slowly but surely, the company grew and it became a cooperation. And the sense of accomplishment disappeared when I felt statistics and numbers started taking the place of empathy. Then COVID hit, and we welcome our 3rd child. I knew I was missing out on family time at a cost I was not willing to pay. I finally burned out, having to see 20-25 patients a day, highly complicated cases, and I was only allowed to spend 10-15 minutes with each patients so I could show high productivity and keep the CEO happy.
Then one day, while scrolling Facebook I ran into a post in one of my mommy groups about Direct Primary Care (DPC). I had never heard of that term and decided to do some research. DPC is a business model that allows primary care physicians to offer their services directly to their patients—without an insurance company in the middle—in exchange for a monthly or annual fee. I studied the medical model for 2 years. And understood that medicine has been hijacked by big companies and patients are in the middle paying a high price. I opened Healthee MD Direct Primary Care in the fall of 2022 and now I can offer access to medical care, affordable medical care and transparency of prices while practicing exceptional medical care.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s still a rocky road. As medical students, we are not taught business. I had to learn everything from opening a business, branding, payroll, taxes, permits, billing, etc. At Direct Primary Care clinics we try to keep overheads low so I wear multiple hats and take care of every single detail in my business. It’s me, myself and I. There is a big doctor community following the same footsteps, taking medicine back to the roots and they are a great resource for new clinics like mine.
Most difficult part, is educating patients of the benefits like closer relationship with their doctor, easy access, cost savings, etc. We are taught that we “need” insurance to be healthy or to go to the doctor. Healthcare is a basic right and everyone should have access. And for less than what you spend for a coffee cost at Starbucks daily, you can get your own Primary Doctor at your fingertips. And text her directly anytime!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a board certified Internist with 17 years of experience.
I believe in a holistic approach and teaching patients how to help heal their bodies.
I believe in teaching importance of lifestyle modifications to achieve a healthier longevity.
Direct Primary Care gives me TIME. I get to spend 30-90 minutes with my patients during their office visit. We get to discuss everything and anything patients needs to discuss. And patients do not feel rushed or unheard. They get unlimited office and video visits included in the monthly membership fee.
Healthee MD ensures patients have unparalleled access to medical care. We offer same or next day appointments. Patients get a direct phone line to me so they can text or call me with any questions and not go through a answering service.
Healthee MD offers transparent pricing and eliminates the hassle of dealing with insurance companies. By paying a simple, affordable monthly membership fee, patients gain access to comprehensive primary care without breaking the bank. Patients get access to reduced pricing labs and imagining, therefore bypass high copayments if they have a high-deductible insurance plan.
Healthee MD delivers exceptional and personalized care. We understand every individual is unique so we provide tailored medical care to each patients needs. We have access to many specialized testing that most traditional doctors can’t offer.
At Healthee MD, we offer an alternative, innovative model of care that can provide better health outcomes and empower patients by saving money while getting better care. It’s what we like to call #healthcareclarity.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Surely, the medical industry is shifting every day.
More and more Direct Primary Care practices are opening after doctors see the advantage to practice medicine under their own terms and making patients happier and healthier. Truly, making a difference in patients health and not just going with the flow.
Doctors are also being reimbursed less and less for their services so they are faced with the difficult decision of having 2000-3000 patients, that is not sustainable good medicine. In the DPC model, doctors will have between 300-750 patients and it is a win-win situation.
Pricing:
- $100 one-time enrollment fee per family
- $99 monthly membership fee for patients between 18-64 years old
- $119 monthly membership fee for patients between 65-98 years old
- $1 monthly membership fee for patients 99 years old and older
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.healtheemd.com
- Instagram: @healtheemd
- Facebook: Healthee MD
- Other: TikTok: @healtheemd
Image Credits
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