Dr. Melinda Roskos is out to change the way we think about Cardiology. Walking up to her lovely home, tastefully decorated for Halloween, I found myself relieved not to be heading into a stodgy office. Dr. Roskos’ “concierge practice” precludes the need for a traditional office. If you haven’t heard of this kind of practice before, you would not be alone. After learning a bit about it, I truly believe it will revolutionize the practice of medicine.
Concierge Care
Dr. Roskos exudes poise, confidence and charisma, much like Audrey Hepburn in a lab coat. “My concierge practice puts the patient first,” Dr. Roskos tells me as her rescue pup, Maya, curls up at our feet. “I take the time to really get to know my patients. My first visit usually takes 2-2.5 hours. This gives me the opportunity to obtain a thorough medical history and perform an executive-level physical examination. It also gives my patients time to relax. They are able to recall more details to give a better history; they can ask as many questions as they’d like.”
Gone are the days of sitting in a spartan waiting room for a visit that will last a maximum of fifteen minutes. This practice consists of house calls and flexible scheduling. “I typically see patients early morning, after work, or on weekends. My patients can contact me by phone, email, or text, and I am the one answering these calls,” states Dr. Roskos.
Her personalized care extends far beyond her appointments with patients. “I also help patients schedule tests and outside appointments. Often, I accompany them to their appointments. I find that this not only alleviates my patients’ fears, but also makes for very efficient medicine. I am able to get answers quickly, explaining the results to the patients before they go home. This way, they know what is going on and what their treatment plan will be.”
Instead of worrying about co-pays and fighting with insurance companies, Roskos Cardiology offers an annual membership. This includes exams, some testing, and as many visits as necessary for a comprehensive care plan. Is this the way of the future?
The Heart of Medicine
“I believe concierge medical practices are here to stay,” says Dr. Roskos. “For those who have experienced this type of medicine, either as a patient or a doctor, it is so different, so much better than the traditional system. It is hard to imagine going back. It’s great for the patients, as they receive high quality, personalized health care. It’s also great for the doctors, making medicine rewarding again. At the heart of medicine is the patient-doctor relationship. If both are happy with the arrangement, I do not see how concierge medicine cannot take off.”
Dr. Roskos is incredibly bright, friendly, and absolutely loves what she does. She excitedly tells me what thrills her about the practice of cardiology and all of the new scientific research. The importance of a doctor keeping abreast of the latest medical discoveries cannot be overstated and her enthusiasm for it rivals what many reserve for football or celebrity gossip. Late last year, for example, studies were published stating that baby aspirin, previously the first line of defense against heart issues, is no longer recommended for all patients. The long-held belief that red meat is bad for health is now being challenged. “Everything in moderation,” states Roskos.
Doctor’s Orders
“Nearly 80% of heart disease is preventable,” Roskos states emphatically. “There are things that most of us could be doing right now to improve our heart health. It could be not smoking, exercising more, eating a healthier diet, or controlling our blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. In fact, a healthy lifestyle not only protects your heart, but it also protects against cancer, depression, and cognitive impairment (early stages of dementia). I believe doctors should be educating and motivating their patients to make these healthy choices.”
Double board certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Dr. Roskos provides primary care as well as specialized cardiac care. She works diligently to help her patients navigate the healthcare system, ensuring that they feel seen and heard. Patients find it simple and convenient to attend to their health care needs.
No matter your health, age or gender, Roskos Cardiology is prepared to offer you personalized care, be it for treatment or prevention. Make confusion and frustration with your health a thing of the past with Dr. Roskos’ concierge care. For more information, email melinda.roskos@ roskoscardiology.com or call 727-685-1850 to speak with the doctor herself.
