Local Physician Honored by Chamber of Commerce for Innovative Practice

Vienna, Virginia, August 15, 2007 – Alan Dappen, MD, was awarded ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the Vienna/Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce in Virginia. The award, was presented to Dappen on July 12th, for creating a new model of primary care, (pronounced “doc-talker”) Family Medicine, that dramatically cuts costs while providing higher-quality service than conventional models.

Dappen calls his business a “communication and information focused practice”. The physician is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering phone and email consultations and house calls, as well as full office services. Dappen has developed an integrated system of electronic medical records, internet access to medical and service provider databases, phone networks, and laptop computers to automate most back-office tasks, so physicians and nurse-practitioners can concentrate on patient care. The practice allows established patients to call Dappen directly when they are sick or have a question, and to avoid unnecessary office visits. Says Dappen, “My patients can reach me the moment they feel sick, from wherever they are. The faster we can start working on their problem, they faster they will feel better.  And there are times when speed of service is critical to a good outcome”

Patients establish a pre-paid account to cover calls, emails and office visits, and are reimbursed by their insurance program for covered services. Patients are charged on the basis of time spent with the doctor or nurse-practitioner; costs are 30 to 50% lower than in conventional family medicine practices in the area.

Family Medicine has been in business since 2002 and has over 2000 registered patients in northern Virginia. The practice also has partnerships with local companies who refer their employees as a supplemental or partial health benefit.