Opening a new business is never an easy feat, but Atlanta’s new membership-based primary care practice, One Medical, is glad they can welcome new customers at a time when quality care is needed most.
“We’ve been able to open our Midtown office in the midst of a pandemic,” says Dr. Michael Fité (pronounced “fih-tay”), One Medical’s Atlanta medical director who grew up in the city and has been practicing here since 2001. “One Medical is very special. We put the patient at the center of everything we do, with a robust model of virtual and in-office care designed around personal connection.”
This personal connection comes through in everything from the welcoming, modern offices to the intuitive app that, as Fité says, “functions more like something from a cool tech company than a clunky portal.” With just a few taps, One Medical members can book same-day or next-day appointments, in person or over video, with the primary care provider of their choice. And when questions just can’t wait, they can video chat with the virtual medical team at no additional cost.
Unlike many doctor’s offices, appointments at One Medical start on time and are designed for unrushed conversation between provider and patient. And drop-in lab work at every One Medical office saves members from driving all over town. “Everything is done to elevate the patient’s experience and ensure that we’re delighting them,” adds Fité.
Providing a safe and accessible patient experience is even more important in the age of COVID-19. One Medical, with more than 85 offices nationwide, has been a leader in COVID-19 testing. Whether seeking a viral or antibody test, members simply open the One Medical app, answer a few yes-or-no questions, and choose a testing time slot. The visit itself typically takes no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. For One Medical, being a reliable partner for COVID-19 testing is imperative for helping Atlantans get back to work and life.
While COVID-19 is a top health concern these days, Fité underscores the importance of regular check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive care during this time: “It is important to establish or continue care with your provider, but lots of people have avoided coming in to see their doctor over the past several months. People have had heart attacks and strokes at home, or have allowed their hypertension and diabetes to go without proper care.” Fité points to the new standards that One Medical has in place, such as increased cleaning and distancing, new HEPA filters to purify the air, and regular staff screenings, as ways One Medical creates a safe environment for in-person primary care.
And thanks to One Medical’s investment in human-centered technology, members can often get the care they need without leaving their home. They can schedule Remote Visits with their specific provider over video, and the 24/7 video chat feature connects patients to highly skilled providers with the One Medical app.
Dr. Fité makes a compelling case for One Medical’s on-demand video chat: “It’s the middle of the night, and you have a crushing headache and high fever. Being able to connect quickly and conveniently with a provider at a practice where you have a personal relationship means that you can talk through your concerns, at no additional cost, and possibly get the advice or medication you need while being spared the expense, frustration, and hours of waiting that come with an ER visit.”
Another benefit to having a strong personal relationship with your primary care provider goes beyond physical health. “Primary care providers are uniquely trained to help identify and address mental and behavioral health issues like depression, anxiety, and attention deficit,” says Fité. “We look at your health holistically because we understand that it’s all of those things that go into your being healthy and living your best life.” Fité sees excellent primary care providers as “the front door” to mental health, especially in these times of increased stress and anxiety, as they can not only help with treatment, but also make informed referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health specialists.
Through their relationship with the Emory Healthcare Network, One Medical offers prioritized access to many top specialists, as well as ongoing, coordinated care for everything from cardiology to orthopedics to psychology. Dr. Fité sums up why he’s proud to be opening One Medical Atlanta: “We think the mind and body are equally important in your health, and we treat the whole person at every visit. Along with our network of specialists, we’re here for our members whenever and wherever they need care. And I’m thrilled to be a part of that kind of exceptional care in Atlanta.”
To learn more and become a member, visit onemedical.com. Atlanta magazine readers can save $50 on an annual membership with the code ATLANTAMAG50.
