Why I introduced care plans at my clinic

Patients and colleagues sometimes ask why I introduced care plans at my clinic. It is not the most conventional approach, I know. But there is a reason.

After six years of running my own practice, I have noticed that people often feel they need a specific problem to justify an appointment. Something has to get worse, a new symptom has to appear, or there needs to be a clear question for me to answer.

And if things are manageable, why spend time and money seeing the doctor?

I understand that. People want to live their lives, not spend them thinking about their illness. Nobody needs neurology as an extra hobby.

But I do not need an acute problem for an appointment to be worthwhile. I would much rather work with you before we reach that point.

“Not worse” does not necessarily mean “as good as we can make it.”

There may be movement difficulties we could improve, side effects we could reduce, or everyday tasks that have become harder than they need to be. You may not have one clear problem to bring me. That is fine. Part of my job is to ask the questions and help us work out where there is room for improvement.

This is why I introduced care plans. I want us to build things up, step by step, rather than spend all our time putting out fires.

We agree on follow-up together. You should not have to carry the responsibility of deciding when it is time to see me, or whether a concern is worth another consultation fee. We have time to review treatment, make careful adjustments and follow what they actually mean in your daily life.

I care deeply about this. Being able to get through the day matters, but so does how that day feels. What is difficult? What takes too much effort? What would make a meaningful difference to you? Those questions deserve attention even when nothing dramatic has happened.

The photo is from my other current project. After work today, we ripped out a kitchen, went to the Punt Verd and chipped away at skirting boards. Apparently, I felt the day needed a few more tasks.

The connection is in the building: having a plan, paying attention to the details and making adjustments as you go. At the clinic, what I want us to build is the best everyday life we can, with the circumstances we have.

Not everyone needs regular follow-up, and we cannot prevent every deterioration. But I want to do what we can to avoid problems and make room for improvements along the way.

If something gets worse, of course I am here. You just do not have to wait for that to happen.