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"Doctors just aren't like they used to be." Maybe you've heard this lamented by a friend, or perhaps you've been the one saying it.
Dr. Jaren Blake agrees. After working (and teaching about) systems that seemed to cater to anything but the patient, he decided to return home to build his dream clinic—one that is focused on the patient/physician relationship. Starting from a blank page he knew that this ideal clinic "would have a whole lotta things that need to go, and a whole lotta things to add" to get things right—like it used to be.
Here are six highlights:
More time
A 2021 study analyzed millions of patients' electronic health records from their doctor visits and found that the average primary care exam was 18 minutes. At Blake Family Medicine, the average visit is 40 minutes—more than double the average. Your time is valued rather than being a secondary concern so the clinic places emphasis on running on time too.
One provider
Rather than group practices where you make an appointment and end up being seen by a doctor you've never met, Dr. Blake runs a solo practice. This means all visits—virtual or in-person—are with him. Patients get more personalized attention and can develop a relationship with their physician.
Ability to text and email directly
Because Dr. Blake values your time and your experience, he makes it easy for you to communicate directly with him. Whether through text or emails, there is always time for questions and concerns.
No phone trees
And if you want to call the office, there are absolutely no phone trees. If you are spending your time calling, Blake Family Medicine will spend its time answering.
Unlimited visits
Like Netflix, your annual subscription includes unlimited visits. (But it's probably not healthy to binge on a doctors office). You are not limited to one "free" preventive visit that your insurance pays for. There are no co-pays or other charges to discourage your interactions with the clinic. But even better, many of your visits can be virtual.
No billing hassles
That means you never have to verify the billing at the beginning of a visit as our subscription is as simple as Netflix. Plus, you get your entire family's bill on one simple monthly statement.
Putting this together, what does it look like in a visit?
For starters, a visit at Blake Family Medicine begins with them greeting you by name and walking you back to the exam room, not you signing in and sitting down in the waiting room. Gone are the steps of confirming insurance, address and whatever else. Frequently, the physician is in the room talking with you while your vitals are taken. Then the visit seamlessly flows into a 40-minute visit covering what you as a patient would like to discuss. Sometimes, at the close of your visit, you may even be leaving with the medication for treatment saving you from a trip (and another co-pay) to the pharmacy. You'll be encouraged to text your physician with an update of your progress. Perhaps the follow-up visit will be done virtually.
About Dr. Blake
Jaren H. Blake, MD is a board-certified family physician who has been in practice for more than 15 years. Growing up in Provo, he dreamed of a day when he would be in private practice in his hometown.
He attended Brigham Young University, then attended Tulane School of Medicine where he received his M.D. in 2003. Following that, Dr. Blake completed his residency at the University of Nevada, Reno in Family Medicine. He served his last year as chief resident. He began his practice in rural Idaho, where he took his first academic position as a Regional Dean for Pacific Northwest University. Dr. Blake went on to spend 10 years in a full-time clinical teaching setting at the University of Nevada and in Idaho before returning home to Provo to start Blake Family Medicine.
While he is proud to be a well-rounded family physician, he especially loves treating headaches and practicing wilderness medicine.
Become a patient now
Visit Blake Family Medicine's website for more details on subscribing to innovative, back-to-basic medical care. By taking advantage of the grand opening prices, a family of six (two adults, four children) can have their primary care needs covered for an annual subscription of $200 a month or $1,800 a year. A single adult can have a subscription for $60 a month or $540 a year.
Blake Family Medicine is part of the larger Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement. Their goal is to make primary care simple and affordable again. So while they don't take insurance, pricing is straightforward and always transparent. Like other DPC clinics, they also cap the number of subscribers to ensure a quality experience. For many people, the cost of a subscription is covered by a lower premium insurance plan that focuses on major events and lets the free market lower costs for primary care. You get overall better value and access.
Subscription prices are posted and available to see, as well as the fine print of the agreement. For questions, email questions@blakefamilymedicine.com.
Blake Family Medicine is located in Doctors Professional Plaza on the Southwest corner of 800 N and 500 W in Provo.
