Chapter 1: The Potential of Telehealth

In light of recent technological advancements, expanding telehealth services could significantly enhance the US healthcare landscape. This approach enables a greater number of patients to access timely and essential care.

As part of our interview series titled "5 Things We Must Do To Improve the US Healthcare System," I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Demetris Elia. He skillfully merges chiropractic practices with a profound understanding of the body’s complex systems, offering customized holistic care for individuals with busy schedules. As the founder of PEAKiropractic — The Mobile Chiropractor of DFW, his goal is to support families in achieving exceptional health through chiropractic care without the extensive time commitment typical of standard office visits.

Before we delve into the specifics of our conversation, could you share a bit about what led you to this career path?

My journey into chiropractic began during my teenage years as an international-level athlete, where I constantly tested my body’s limits. This pursuit led to various injuries and challenges. Over time, I learned how to manage these obstacles and push beyond them. While training in Cyprus, my older teammates would often "crack" my back. Although we lacked formal knowledge, I always felt significantly better afterward, which alleviated my pain and eased body tension.

While competing in Division 1 as a hammer thrower, persistent low back pain prompted me to seek help from athletic trainers, who recommended chiropractic care. Initially, I was unaware that chiropractic was a viable profession; my focus was on a degree in Kinesiology to become a Physical Therapist. The school hosted a chiropractor monthly, so I signed up for an adjustment.

However, my first experience was disheartening. The chiropractor exuded negative energy, and after my adjustment, I felt worse. Remembering the relief I had experienced from earlier adjustments, I realized that chiropractic could be beneficial if practiced correctly and with good intentions. This realization prompted me to shift my focus from physical therapy to chiropractic care, allowing me to provide high-quality, energy-infused care.

Chapter 2: Defining Excellence in Healthcare

How would you describe an outstanding healthcare provider?

In my view, an excellent healthcare provider is one who consistently prioritizes the best interests of their patients. This may involve devising new treatment plans, referring patients to other specialists, or admitting when they lack the necessary information, while ensuring to follow up with resources to assist the patient’s health journey.

What resources inspire you to enhance your leadership in healthcare?

One podcast I find particularly enlightening is Huberman Lab, hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a Neurobiology professor at Stanford. He covers a wide array of health and wellness topics, providing insights into various professionals' perspectives and often teaching me new concepts about the human body. A book that consistently grounds me is "Are You the Doctor, Doctor?" by Dr. Barge. Although it targets chiropractors, its core message resonates with all healthcare providers, encouraging them to not only avoid harm but also excel in promoting patient health.

Are there any exciting projects you're currently working on?

Over the past year, we’ve introduced a weight loss program among our services. Recognizing that we are often the only healthcare providers our patients regularly consult, we identified a pressing need for such support in the community.

Thank you for sharing! Now, let’s focus on the main topic of our discussion. A recent Newsweek study revealed that the US healthcare system ranks as the worst among high-income nations. What are your thoughts on why this is the case?

Despite having some of the most skilled healthcare providers globally, the US system struggles due to its inherent structure. Here are a few reasons I believe contribute to its shortcomings:

1. Administrative Complexities: Numerous health insurance companies, each with unique billing practices, complicate reimbursement processes for providers. This complexity necessitates additional staff for effective management, further escalating costs.
2. High Costs: The overhead from managing billing systems drives up treatment costs. Insurance companies often reimburse only a fraction of billable items, forcing providers to set higher cash prices for services.
3. Focus on Treatment Over Prevention: Insurance carriers dictate what constitutes "medical necessity," limiting providers' abilities to promote preventive care. This results in a healthcare model centered on symptom management rather than holistic health promotion.

As someone entrenched in the healthcare landscape, if you could implement changes, what would you suggest to improve the US healthcare system?

At PEAKiropractic, we've chosen not to participate in insurance networks. We promote health with a straightforward fee-for-service model. Here are five changes I believe could enhance the system:

1. Patients should have the freedom to choose any provider they feel is best for them. Current restrictions, such as Medicare limitations, impede access to care for those over 65.
2. Reimbursement rates must increase to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for services not covered by insurance.
3. Emphasize preventive care rather than merely treating diseases. For instance, instead of prescribing medication for prediabetes, healthcare professionals should guide patients toward lifestyle changes to improve their health.
4. Implement a universal billing system to streamline administrative processes and reduce costs.
5. Further expand telehealth services to increase access to timely care.

What specific actions could various stakeholders take to facilitate these changes?

I encourage my patients to take ownership of their health, urging them to question both my recommendations and those of other healthcare providers. This empowerment is crucial for navigating the healthcare system effectively.

We are collaborating with companies of all sizes that are transitioning towards health promotion, recognizing the value of investing in their employees' well-being.

At the community level, change can be more challenging due to individuals clustering with like-minded peers. Although many health-focused workshops and events exist, engagement levels are often low.

Leaders must advocate for health promotion and raise awareness in their communities. It's essential for influential voices to speak out on these issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely tested the US healthcare system. Can you share examples of struggles within this system and suggest ways to address these issues?

The challenges extend beyond healthcare into government administration. The panic surrounding the pandemic was palpable. Educating the public on basic hygiene could have alleviated shortages of essential items like soap and toilet paper. Moreover, fostering a better understanding of the human body may empower individuals to question governmental decisions regarding health.

How do you see the issue of physician shortages being addressed?

The physician shortage partly stems from individuals seeking medical assistance for preventable conditions. Encouraging patients to consult chiropractors or physical therapists first could ease the burden on medical providers and reduce the demand for physicians.

How do you suggest we tackle the issue of physician and nurse burnout?

Using alternative healthcare providers as initial screening mechanisms for patients can alleviate the workload on physicians and nurses, allowing them to focus on complex cases and reduce burnout.

As a figure of influence, if you could spark a movement for widespread good, what would it entail?

I consistently remind my patients, "Your health is your responsibility." When individuals grasp that they must take action for their health, they begin to educate themselves. For those unsure of where to start, consulting a local chiropractor can provide valuable guidance.

How can our readers stay connected with your work?

Readers can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our website, where we share blog posts offering tips and insights to enhance their health.

Thank you for sharing these invaluable insights! Your perspectives are truly inspiring, and we wish you continued success in your impactful work.