Plum Health Blog
Dr. Paul Thomas Gives the Welcome to Detroit Lecture for Incoming Class of 2027 at WSU SOM
Dr. Paul Thomas Gives the Welcome to Detroit Lecture for Incoming Class of 2027 at WSU SOM
This year, Dr. Paul Thomas was invited to give a “Welcome to Detroit” lecture for the Wayne State University School of Medicine Class of 2027. These medical students will be immersed in the Detroit community over the next 4 years, and upon graduation, many of them will continue to serve the Detroit and Metro Detroit community.
WSU SOM’s incoming class of 2026 had 300 Students, with 192 in-state and 108 out-of-state students. That class had 22 birth countries and 94 different colleges represented. The 2027 class is likely similar but their demographic data isn’t readily available online.
That being said, the vast majority of these students are experiencing Detroit for the first time. The lecture given by Dr. Paul Thomas highlights important moments in Detroit history, from its founding through the Arsenal of Democracy, through 1967, municipal bankruptcy, and today. It also discusses cultural events, the best coffee shops to study, the best parks to relax and unwind, and the best restaurants for a student budget and for when parents or loved ones come to town for a special occasion.
A short guide for new visitors to Detroit and also for new professional students in Detroit, like medical students or law students at institutions like Wayne State University or the University of Detroit.
So here are the best coffee shops in Detroit for 2023:
Lucky Detroit in Corktown
Momento Gelato in Corktown (great coffee and paninis and gelato)
James Oliver in Corktown (amazing bagel sandwiches and great coffee selection)
Dessert Oasis in Capitol Park
Rosa in Grandmont Rosedale
Oloman Café in Hamtramck
Cafe 1923 in Hamtramck
MadCap in Downtown
The Congregation in New Center/Virginia Park
Milwaukee Caffe in New Center
Anthology Coffee in Eastern Market
Detroit Air Quality Update June 29th 2023
Detroit Air Quality Update June 29th 2023
Unfortunately, today the air quality is 157 - 184, which is unhealthy.
What is the typical air quality?
The typical air quality index is closer to 30. This is an acceptable level of air quality where the air feels good, with no smoke, smog, or haze in the air. Visibility is good and asthma exacerbations happen with fewer frequency.
what is the air quality like today?
With a level of 150 to 200, like today, the air quality is unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. This poor air quality index is due to smoke particular matter wafting down from wildfires in Canada.
What you should do
Today, and on unhealthy air quality days, limit your outdoor activities and wear an N95 mask so that you don't breathe in the particulate matter. Unfortunately, these small particles can get into our lungs, into our blood stream, and can cross our blood brain barrier.
There are several ill health effects that can happen with prolonged exposure to poor air quality. Cities like Mumbai (formerly called Bombay), India have poor, unhealthy, and hazardous air quality on a regular basis, so there is more research in cities like this. From that data, the UN Environmental Programme released a compelling report. You can read the whole report, but the key health info starts on page 55, don’t miss page 61, 62, 63. Here are some of the key findings:
A wildfire event can cause feelings of confusion, anger, fear, and loss, all of which can have long-term impacts on the people and communities that experience them.
There are indications that people can also suffer psychological distress from losing a valued landscape due to a wildfire or as a result of long periods of smoke exposure
Particles (from wildfire smoke) may cause oxidative stress in brain cells
Particles can cross from the circulatory system to the central nervous system (into the brain) and impair it
Particles can cross the gas-blood barrier in the lung and reach the circulatory system
Particles can deliver harmful chemicals into the blood (Carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon)
Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs causing an impact on the respiratory system (e.g., asthma, COPD*)
Particles can induce oxidative stress response in lung cells
I spoke to the media about this two weeks ago via Daily Detroit This is a podcast and my interview is in the second half of the podcast.
💨 Keep doors and windows closed on unhealthy air quality days
💨 Use a HEPA filter at your home or work place
💨 Plan on indoor activities
💨 Limit strenuous activities out doors when there are unhealthy air quality days - the more vigorous your exercise intensity out doors, the more particulate matter you breathe in, and therefore the more oxidate stress in your lungs, brain, and body
💨 Indoor vacuuming can stir up dust in your home, so limit vacuuming on days like these.
💨 Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution, such as burning candles, using gas stoves, and vacuuming.
The California Air Resource Board has more great tips, here.
Vulnerable groups
If you have a cardiac or pulmonary condition (asthma, COPD, heart disease) or if you are immunocompromised (receiving cancer treatments, pregnant), then I strongly recommend limiting any time outside today.
If you do go outside, I recommend wearing a mask, ideally an N95.
In general, for all patients, I recommend limiting the amount of time outside today or wearing a mask if outside, ideally an N95. As in the figure below, an N95 is recommended when the air quality is unhealthy (red).
Stay safe, and have a great weekend,
- Paul
Dr. Paul Thomas Speaks at the Dr. Morris S. Brent Lectureship
This month, Dr. Paul Thomas spoke at the Dr. Morris S. Brent Lectureship, a part of the Wayne State University School of Medicine’s Alumni Reunion Weekend activities. In the lecture, Dr. Paul Thomas discussed best practices for personal branding, and why it is important for doctors to become physician leaders, and build the platforms that can help them educate other doctors and the community about important issues in medicine.
This session will focus on developing a personal brand for physicians. What is a personal brand? How can you leverage your personal brand to attract new patients? How can you own your own brand and content? These topics and more will be addressed in this session!
Dr. Paul Thomas talks about Personal Branding at the WSU SOM Alumni Reunion Weekend during the Morris S. Brent Lectureship.
To watch the full lecture, head to the 2:14 (2 hour, 14 minute) mark in the YouTube video below:
Dr. Paul Thomas is a Proud Graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine Class of 2013
This month, Dr. Paul Thomas attended the Class of 2013 Alumni Reunion Weekend. Dr. Thomas graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2013 - thereafter, he completed his residence at Oakwood/Beaumont Family Medicine Residency Program, and then started Plum Health DPC in November 2016.
Time flies when you’re practicing medicine - the days are long but the years are short. As physicians, we put our all into taking care of other people and making sure people in our community stay healthy. The School of Medicine’s Mission is as follows:
We will educate a diverse student body in an urban setting and within a culture of inclusion, through high-quality education, clinical excellence, pioneering research, local investment in our community and innovative technology, to prepare physician and biomedical scientific leaders to achieve health and wellness for our society.
It’s refreshing to connect with a group of doctors who share these values - all striving to improve the health and wellness of our community. I’m forever grateful to have been immersed in the culture of WSU SOM and my experiences there informed how I practice today and in the future at my practice, Plum Health DPC.
Paul Thomas MD Featured in Michigan Academy of Family Physicians Magazine
Paul Thomas MD Featured in Michigan Academy of Family Physicians Magazine
A big thank you to the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians for featuring me and our family medicine colleagues with their recent cover story!
I love being a family medicine doctor - I get to take care of patients of all ages and stages, I get to manage a broad spectrum of medical conditions, and I get to build long-lasting relationships with amazing people in my community.
Family medicine is a medical speciality that requires 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and 3 years of residency training. With this 11 years of training, we're Family Medicine specialists!
Here's my quote from the recent publication:
“Starting and growing a direct primary care practice has changed my life. I’ve been able to serve people in my community with a high value family medicine service, advocate for causes that I feel passionate about, and be creative in my approach to solving people’s healthcare challenges.
"In short, I’ve been able to become the doctor I’m meant to be. The direct primary care model simplifies healthcare delivery in that our patients are able to text, email, or call us anytime.
"This takes a lot of the anxiety and stress out of the healthcare experience and our patients can seamlessly access the care that they need, when they need it.” - Paul Thomas, MD (Detroit)
#PlumHealth #DirectPrimaryCare #FamilyMedicine #HealthCare #Detroit #PrimaryCare #FamilyMedicineSpecialty #MAFP #AAFP #Corktown
What kind of medical conditions do Family Medicine Doctors take care of?
Family medicine doctors are primary care physicians who treat a wide range of medical conditions in patients of all ages. This can include common conditions such as the flu, colds, and injuries, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.
Family doctors also provide preventive care, including routine check-ups, immunizations, and screenings for conditions such as cancer and heart disease. In addition to treating physical health conditions, family medicine doctors may also provide care for mental health conditions and may coordinate care with specialists as needed.
Can Family Doctors take care of Mental Health Concerns?
Yes, family medicine doctors can treat mental health conditions. While they may not have the same level of training as a psychiatrist or psychologist, they are often the first point of contact for patients seeking help for mental health concerns. They can provide a range of services, including counseling, medication management, and referrals to specialists as needed. It is important to note that the specific mental health services provided by a family medicine doctor may vary depending on their training and experience.
Fortunately, our family medicine doctors at Plum Health DPC have robust training in primary care mental health concerns, like depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and others.
If you’d like this type of Family medicine service for yourself or for your family, you can sign up here:
How to get a Flu Shot in Detroit
Protect Yourself and Your Community with a Flu Shot at Plum Health DPC in Detroit
As the winter season approaches, it's important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. The flu, or influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe symptoms and complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot. At our Plum Health DPC office in Detroit, we carry two types of flu vaccines: Afluria and Fluzone. Both vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing influenza.
It's important to get a flu shot each year, as the flu virus can change from year to year and the vaccine is reformulated to protect against the most common strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot.
In addition to protecting yourself, getting a flu shot can also help protect your community by reducing the spread of the flu. This is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from the flu, such as young children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions.
Don't wait until it's too late – make an appointment to get your flu shot at Plum Health DPC in Detroit today! Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this season.
Appreciation Post for Dr. George Costea
When I was 17 years old, I started volunteering at Cass Clinic, associated with the Cass United Methodist Church. This was about 2004, and it was a life changing experience. As a high school student, I got to work with and learn from medical students at Wayne State University School of Medicine as they took care of patients who were uninsured, underinsured, homeless, and elderly folks who couldn’t drive to another clinic.
After each patient encounter, we would give a presentation to Dr. Costea, who waited patiently for us to share the important clinical information, and who helped guide our management and care with an in-house pharmacy, dispensing blood pressure medications and diabetes medications alongside clinical pearls and clinical wisdom.
We were able to take care of about 30 to 50 patients each day, working in teams of 2 or 3 students, and seeing one patient at a time. We got to spend 30 minutes to an hour with each patient, and listen to their stories. They allowed us to learn from them with otoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, our stethoscopes, and an index card medical record system as many patients returned each week or each month.
From this experience, I knew that I wanted to become a doctor, not just any doctor, but a doctor like Dr. George Costea. Dr. Costea seemed to be infinitely knowledgable about every medication stocked in that backroom pharmacy, he was unendingly patient, and faced difficult situations in the clinic with unmatched equanimity.
When I eventually finished college and made it into Wayne State University School of Medicine, I continued to volunteer at the Cass Clinic, to serve the patients there and to learn from Dr. Costea. When it came time in my third year of medical school to rotate through a family medicine office, I had the privilege of rotating through Dr. Costea’s family medicine practice.
To say that my experiences working with and learning from Dr. Costea shaped me and shaped my career in medicine would be a gross understatement. His presence at the Cass Clinic is the single biggest reason that I had the opportunity to make it into medical school and to become a physician. Further, his model for care inspired me to start Plum Health.
Unfortunately, Dr. Costea passed away on September 19th, 2022.
Dr. Costea worked with hundreds or maybe even thousands of pre-medical students and medical students as they served patients in the Cass Corridor. He started the clinic in the early 1980’s as a part of the free health care movement, and volunteered just about every Saturday for more than 40 years. Dr. Costea’s example - his care, his selflessness, his humility, his patience, and his willingness to teach - will stay with me forever.
Thank you Dr. Costea!
-Paul Thomas, MD
Dr. George Costea at the Cass Clinic in Midtown Detroit.
From Wayne State University School of Medicine:
George Costea, D.O., founder of the Cass Clinic and attending physician for more than 40 years, died Sept. 19. Dr. Costea dedicated nearly every Saturday morning since the early 1980s to providing free health care to Detroit's poor and underserved. Dr. Costea taught hundreds of Wayne State University School of Medicine students during those years and demonstrated selflessness and commitment to serving the community. Cass Clinic is in need of physicians interested in volunteering their time. If you are interested in participating or need more information, please contact Rob Sherwin, M.D. at rsherwin@dmc.org.
Plum Health is Committed to Corktown for the Long Term
Plum Health is Committed to Corktown for the Long Term
This week, there was an attempted smash-and-grab at a neighboring business.
Fortunately, no one was harmed, nothing appears to have been taken, and there are neighbors who live upstairs who reported the incident.
Our Plum Health clinic next door was not affected.
All that being said, we are committed to delivering affordable and accessible health care services in Corktown and Detroit for the long-term. We know that smash-and-grab incidents can happen anywhere, and this does not deter us from being present and delivering the health care services that our community needs.
We are operating a business in Corktown during good times, and we are looking forward to an even brighter future. There are new development projects throughout greater Corktown as Ford Motor Company completes its $1 billion investment into the Michigan Central Station.
For us, this attempted smash-and-grab is a bump in the road towards a more prosperous future.
- Dr. Paul Thomas with Plum Health DPC in Detroit, MI
Addendum from October 12th, 2022
On October 11th, the smash-and-grab attempt happened to one of our neighboring businesses. During the day, Sarah Grimmer, a reporter from Channel 7 Action News aka WXYZ Channel 7 stopped by our office to ask a few questions. Here’s the full story and interview that aired on the 11th:
In the evening, I took some time to reflect on what had happened. Here are my thoughts:
Last night, there was a smash-and-grab attempt at an AT&T store next door to our Plum Health DPC clinic.
Fortunately, no one was harmed, nothing appears to have been taken, and the police are working to resolve the case.
Today, a reporter from WXYZ/WMYD stopped by to ask some questions. I felt like I couldn't clearly articulate what this means, so here's how I think/feel after some reflection.
It's sad and frustrating to see this kind of senseless damage to a neighboring business in Corktown.
We know that smash-and-grab incidents can happen anywhere, and this does not deter us from being present and delivering the health care services that our community needs.
We are committed to delivering affordable and accessible health care services in Corktown and Detroit for the long-term.
We are operating a business in Corktown during good times, and we are looking forward to an even brighter future.
There are new development projects throughout greater Corktown - a new apartment complex is being built across the street from us, a new hotel is going up 1 block away, and Ford Motor Company is completing its $1 billion investment into the Michigan Central Station.
Further, several other small and medium investors continue to improve the neighborhood brick by brick.
Finally, TV crews tend to show up when things are at their worst - hopefully they report that the facade got fixed within hours of the incident.
For us, this attempted smash-and-grab is a bump in the road towards a healthier and more prosperous future.
As a final note, the AT&T store repaired their facade and is back open for business as of the 11th. I stopped in after 5 pm to chat with them, wish them well, and they were already taking care of their customers and helping with new phones, supplies, and tech support. It’s great to see them bounce back like that!
Corktown Detroit Walking Tour with Dr. Paul Thomas of Plum Health DPC
Corktown Detroit Walking Tour with Dr. Paul Thomas of Plum Health DPC
Today, we decided to do a walking tour of Corktown.
There's a few big developments on Michigan Avenue - the Godfrey Hotel/boutique hotel and the Perennial Apartments/luxury apartment building with a rooftop pool. https://detroit.eater.com/2021/9/29/22700588/corktown-detroit-opening-the-godfrey-hotel-rooftop-lounge-restaurant
Michigan Avenue is set to be replaced with an road surface that will charge electric vehicles as they drive. https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/mark-phelan/2020/08/13/michigan-avenue-most-advanced-road/3364328001/
As we walk, we pass Momento Gelato, Ottava Via, Brooklyn Street Local, and Detroit Institute of Bagels on the way to Mudgie's Deli. http://www.mudgiesdeli.com/wp/
Importantly, Mudgie's Deli owner Greg Mudge recently passed away and there is an ongoing effort to rename the street in the honor of Greg Mudge. It's heading to Detroit's City Council this week: https://detroitmi.gov/government/city-council
From a medical perspective, you should aim for 30 minutes of vigorous activity each day - cardiovascular exercise like walking, running, biking, swimming, or other aerobic activities. The goal is to get 30 minutes each day for 5 days each week, or 150 minutes in total of vigorous, aerobic exercise.
The new COVID booster is a bivalent booster, meaning that it has the original vaccine PLUS the omicron-specific vaccine. Bivalent just means that the vaccine protects you from TWO strains of virus.
In comparison, the Fluarix Flu shot is a Quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against four strains of flu viruses. This year the Fluarix quadrivalent flu shot protects against the Victoria 2019, Darwin 2021, Austria 2021, and Phuket 2013 flu strains. We have the Fluarix flu shots at our Plum Health DPC office for $24.
We also carry the Fluzone Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine, which again protects against four strains of flu viruses. This year the Fluzone quadrivalent flu shot protects against the Victoria 2019, Darwin 2021, Phuket 2013, and Michigan 2021 flu strains. This Fluzone vaccine is $23 at our Plum Health DPC office.
The Bivalent Covid vaccine is free at most pharmacies and health departments. We will have free doses at Plum Health starting next week on Wednesday (09/28/2022).
Covid Bivalent Booster Vaccine side effects are similar to previous vaccines - arm soreness, it could cause malaise (not feeling well) for 1 to 2 days, it could cause a low-grade temperature increase to 99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day,
-Dr. Paul Thomas with Plum Health DPC
Ganglion Cyst Drainage in Detroit
Ganglion Cyst Drainage at Plum Health DPC in Detroit
At Plum Health DPC in Detroit, we take care of a variety of health concerns. We are Family Medicine Specialists and we help our patients with a variety of health problems.
At Plum Health, we perform many procedures. One of those is a Ganglion Cyst Removal. This procedure takes a few minutes but it can be a tremendous relief.
A ganglion cyst is a pocket of fluid that builds up adjacent to a tendon. The Fluid inside the cyst is viscous and clear. The ganglion cysts are usually not painful, but they can be irritating if you wear a watch. They can also cause people to be self conscious or to wear long sleeves to cover them up.
At our clinic, we clean off the skin overlying the ganglion cyst and we use an 18 gauge needle to draw out the cystic fluid. This helps to relieve the symptoms for the patient.
After this procedure, there is a 50% chance that the ganglion cyst will resolve. For the other 50% of patients, the ganglion cyst will refill. Usually the ganglion cyst will refill slowly over time.
Plum Health DPC Started in 2016
Plum Health DPC Started in 2016
We started Plum Health DPC in November, 2016. We started by making house calls for our patients. We recognized a need for excellent primary care services in Detroit, and we strive every day to meet that demand. We have had great growth over the last 5 and a half years, and we’ve needed to grow and add more doctors.
Plum Health Grew into a Larger Office on Michigan Avenue in 2019
We decided to build out a new space in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, on Michigan Avenue near Trumbull. We’re at “The Corner” or the property where the old Tiger Stadium used to sit. When Tiger Stadium was torn down, the ball field/baseball diamond was perserved as a field for Detroit youth sports via Detroit PAL or Police Athletic Field. The properties around the perimeter of the park became the building where our office is, which has 3 floors of apartments above 1 floor of retail. There are also condos on the perimeter of the old Tiger Stadium site going up on Trumbull avenue.
Anyways, here’s some old pictures from about October 2018 when we leased out our new space and it started construction to eventually become our office.
The construction finished in October 2019! Boy did we have to be patient, but once it was complete, we were ready to serve the community with an amazing primary care and health care experience.
We love practicing in this space, and now we’re coming up on 6 years in practice as Plum Health DPC and 3 years in practice at the Michigan and Trumbull or “The Corner” location.
This is such an amazing place to work and to serve patients and we get to fulfill our mission of delivering affordable and accessible health care services in Detroit and beyond!
Plum Health Continues to Thrive into 2022
Now, we have three amazing doctors - Dr. Raquel Orlich, Dr. Leslie Rabaut, and Dr. Paul Thomas - serving patients in Corktown, Detroit, and beyond. We take care of about 1,150 patients at this point. Our patients are of all ages and stages - pediatric patients, young adults, older adults, and geriatric patients. We take care of a variety of health care conditions - high blood pressure, diabetes, gout, asthma, physical exams for work, and so much more, too many conditions to list.
To celebrate and to say thank you, we are having a thank you party at the Congregation Detroit tonight at 5:30 pm. Join us!
-Paul Thomas, MD with Plum Health DPC
What to Know About Monkeypox in Detroit
How to get the Monkeypox vaccine in Detroit
At Plum Health, we've had a lot of questions about Monkeypox from our patients and from the community.
If you are at a higher risk or in a higher risk group, please reach out to the City of Detroit Health Department or the Wayne County Health Department. or the Oakland County Health Department to get the two dose Monkeypox vaccine series.
We've had a few of our patients with potential exposures/higher risk get the vaccine via the Detroit Health Department. Usually, there's a pre-vaccination phone call and then they will schedule you for the two dose series. Here’s the contact info for the Detroit Health Department:
Detroit Health Department, 100 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 | (313) 876-4000
Here’s what the City of Detroit has written on their website:
The City of Detroit has begun providing doses of the Jynneos vaccines to Detroiters who have been exposed to the Monkeypox virus or who suspect they have been exposed, made available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Background Information on Monkeypox
Monkeypox was first seen in 1958 in monkeys kept for research.
The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970.
Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in several central and western African countries.
Select cases have also been seen over the years in other countries due to international travel.
Now, in a world already changed by Covid-19 pandemic, we are seeing this worrisome visitor in our backyard. So, it’s best to get to know what monkeypox is, even if it isn’t here to stay.
A person infected with monkeypox will most likely have a mix of some of the following: fever, headache, muscle ache, chills, exhaustion, sore throat, cough, and/or nasal congestion.
Monkeypox also often presents with a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
This rash can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. It also goes through several stages, including forming a scab, before ultimately healing.
Monkeypox spreads through close contact and touch. This includes direct contact with a rash, scab, saliva, and/or bodily fluids of someone infected with monkeypox. Touching surfaces, clothes, or any fabrics used by someone with monkeypox can also lead to spread.
Sexual contact with someone who has monkeypox is a major source of spread, and pregnant mothers with monkeypox can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.
According to the CDC there are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections. However, monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections.
Antivirals, such as tecovirimat, may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.
In Michigan, as of August 4th, there were a total of 71 cases that have been reported. The City of Detroit has had the most outbreaks (19 cases), followed by Oakland County (13 cases) and Macomb County (10 cases). The rest of Wayne County comes in with 9 additional cases.
If you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms of monkeypox that we have reviewed above, please contact your primary care provider and make an appointment to get tested.
Rest assured that your doctors and healthcare teams across the nation will continue to be diligent as we get more information. Research is ongoing regarding modes of spread and additional treatments. We will continue to serve you with up to date, well-informed guidelines.
Resources:
Plum Health Featured on Fox 2 News Detroit for Lowering the Cost of Insulin
Plum Health Featured on Fox 2 News Detroit for Lowering the Cost of Insulin
Yesterday, Plum Health DPC was featured on Fox 2 News Detroit for lowering the cost of insulin in Detroit and beyond.
MANAGING DIABETES IN DETROIT
Diabetes care can be difficult and expensive, especially if you’re uninsured. If you’re uninsured and trying to access diabetes care, patients can face the following costs:
$150 for a primary care visit
$150 to check hemoglobin a1c
$150 to check blood sugar via a comprehensive metabolic panel
$300 for insulin at the pharmacy
$10 for Metformin (Glucophage) at the pharmacy
At our Plum Health office, we dramatically lower the cost of these vital services to help our diabetic patients manage their blood sugar.
$55 to $75 monthly for as many primary care visits as it takes to manage your diabetes
$6 to check hemoglobin a1c
$6 to check blood sugar via a comprehensive metabolic panel
$0 for insulin at our Plum Health clinic as we get several free samples from industry
$0.30 to $0.60 for Metformin (Glucophage) at our Plum Health clinic
What makes this pricing difference even more important is that folks with diabetes need to check their hemoglobin a1c every 3 to 6 months to ensure that they are managing their diabetes effectively.
Dr. Paul Thomas of Plum Health DPC being interviewed by Fox 2 News about the high cost of insulin in Detroit and beyond. People routinely pay $125 for 1 pen of long-acting insulin like Tresiba. At our Plum Health DPC office, we are able to get free samples so that the cost is $0 for our members at Plum Health. Our mission is to make health care affordable and accessible, and lowering the cost of insulin is just one way that we achieve that mission.
Here’s our social media post about Insulin Costs in Detroit:
These insulin pens are $125 a piece at your local pharmacy. 🤑 💰
They should be capped at $35 a piece, but that protection was removed by Congress this week. 🤯😭🤢🤮
Fortunately, we get free samples from industry to help our patients at Plum Health DPC ✅
Tune in to Fox 2 News at 6 pm with Veronica Meadows as we talk about what’s broken in our healthcare system and what we’re doing to fix it 💯
#PlumHealth #DirectPrimaryCare #FamilyMedicine #insulin #drugprices #healthcare
Here’s what Fox 2 News Detroit wrote on their webpage about the story:
FOX 2 - For those who have diabetes, many know the struggle of paying for insulin.
"This can be $125 per pen at the pharmacy," said Dr. Paul Thomas. "In the United States there’s seven million people who need to take insulin and 25 percent of those cannot afford the insulin, they need to manage their diabetes."
For Raphael Wright, that stress hits close to home. A Detroit entrepreneur — Wright says at first he didn't have health insurance. He says his out-of-pocket cost for insulin used to be around $300 a month.
"It was a punch in the gut, I did not feel good," he said. "I am on the fringe because now I'm worried about getting my lights cut out. You need electricity to keep insulin cold."
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) says starting in January the inflation reduction act will help more than three million in the US afford insulin.
"If you receive your health care through Medicare your insulin medicine will be capped your cost at $35 a month," she said.
But Senate Republicans stripped a provision that would have capped the price of insulin in the private marketplace. That cap also doesn't apply to people who don't have insurance.
"I think we should have a $35 cap for all Americans because there are a lot of people who are uninsured - they make too much money to qualify for Medicaid and not enough money to buy private insurance," said Dr. Thomas. "And even if you have private insurance your deductible could be $7,000."
Thomas is the founder of Plum Health Direct Primary Care in Corktown. He says thanks to free samples, his patients don't pay for insulin.
Thomas says his mission is to make healthcare accessible to everyone — especially diabetes patients. He says the results are devastating for those who are priced out of insulin.
"They’re going without, because of that high cost, and essentially this leads to really bad outcomes: Diabetic retinopathy which can cause blindness, diabetes does damage to your blood vessels, which can lead to early heart attacks and strokes," he said.
Thomas says diabetes is the number one cause of amputations and blindness in the United States. He says that is one more reason why insulin needs to be affordable for everyone.
Plum Health DPC Featured in Upcoming Alive in Detroit Documentary
Plum Health DPC Featured in Upcoming Alive in Detroit Documentary
Alive in Detroit is a documentary put together by my friend Shiraz Ahmed. He has been acutely interested in health access in Detroit and beyond and our mission of making health care affordable and accessible in Detroit resonated with Shiraz. Shiraz included our work in a forthcoming documentary about health care in Detroit called Alive in Detroit. He’s raising money for the film right now on his Kickstarter campaign, so please contribute if you have the time and the means as this will be a timely and insightful documentary.
Shiraz was recently interviewed on WDET here in Detroit to explain more about the project. Here’s what WDET said:
“Alive in Detroit,” directed by filmmaker Shiraz Ahmed, is an upcoming feature-length documentary about the fight against chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes in the city. This story is a celebration of Detroiters and the work they do to heal their communities of illnesses while also providing them with protection and rights.
The film features a patient, a pastor and a physician whose stories inspire hope but also mask deeper inequities in the health care safety net. It’s a product of the city’s creative ecosystem, benefitting from programming by the Detroit Design Festival, the Freep Film Festival and Documenting Detroit.
“The pandemic’s really exposed all these cracks we have in our system,” he says. “I started this film before the pandemic, and then the pandemic just crystalized the themes I was looking at. It really gave me motivation – especially at a really depressing time when there was not a lot else to do to keep moving forward – because if we don’t address these inequities, another pandemic will happen and more people will keep dying.”
Paul Thomas, MD - Recent Alumni Award Recipient from Wayne State University School of Medicine
Paul Thomas, MD - Recent Alumni Award Recipient from Wayne State University School of Medicine
In 2019, Dr. Paul Thomas received the Recent Alumni Award from Wayne State University School of Medicine. This is a prestigious award that is not given out every year. Here’s how it’s described by WSU SOM:
The Recent Alumni Award, established in 2003, is presented to an individual who received an M.D. degree from the WSU School of Medicine within the last 15 years and has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, community contributions or service to Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Here’s a list of the previous Recent Alumni Award Winners at Wayne State University School of Medicine:
Leadership at Plum Health DPC
I have this grainy copy of a photo of a document above my desk that serves as a reminder about leadership and how I operate my business at Plum Health DPC. I look at it every day, and it helps me focus on how I conduct myself to create a successful organization. I thought I’d share it with you today!
Notes on Leadership, a reminder to myself:
1. Lead by example.
2. Lead by principles.
3. Surround yourself with great people.
4. Set clear goals and communicate them well.
5. Actions speak louder than words.
6. Know your business from the ground up.
7. Understand the business cycles of your industry.
8. Be entrepreneurial and nimble.
9. Don't be afraid to take risks.
10. Think long-term, despite short-term pressures.
11. Listen and respond to employees, customers, and stakeholders.
12. Learn from your mistakes.
13. Be an optimist.
14. Find balance.
Notes on Leadership at Plum Health DPC
Dr. Paul Thomas at Detroit Digital Inclusion Week 2021
Dr. Paul Thomas at Detroit Digital Inclusion Week 2021
On October 4th, Dr. Paul Thomas was a part of the Detroit Digitial Inclusion Week 2021, specifically speaking on a panel called the Future of Healthcare https://youtu.be/197ao4G_sO8?t=8392.
It was a pleasure speaking with Joshua Edmonds the Director of Digital Inclusion at the City of Detroit, Shannon Wilson the Vice president of State Markets East at Priority Health, and Courtney Stevens the Director of Virtual Care at Henry Ford Health Systems about digital health access and the digital health divide here in Detroit, Michigan.
The big problem is this: too few Detroit residents have access to reliable internet access, and that impacts their health and wellness. The question is, how can we equip Detroiters with the resources to bridge this digital divide and potentially improve health outcomes?
Throughout the interview, I make the case for right-sizing our approach to telehealth/telemedicine as it is not a silver bullet. Giving Detroiters access to digital health tools will help somewhat, but it will not solve intergenerational chronic health challenges and learned health behaviors.
As always, I advocate for more family medicine physicians who are neighborhood based, who have the medical knowledge, clinical skills, and physical resources to provide excellent medical care in a patient-centered way, while accounting for cultural and geographic context.
In short, I believe we need more doctors in Detroit, not more telehealth visits. While telemedicine may help with some problems, like coughs and colds, or pink eye, a telemedicine app won’t help to teach folks how to take care of their diabetes with the support of their family and community, telemedicine apps won’t be able to draw blood or deliver medications, and most importantly, telemedicine apps cannot perform a comprehensive physical exam.
The following video was filmed live on Monday, October 4, 2021, at TechTown Detroit's I2C Building. The panel was moderated by Joshua Edmonds, Digital Inclusion Director for the City of Detroit. The event was hosted by the Connect 313 Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Committee.
Welcome Dr. Leslie Rabaut to Plum Health DPC!
Join us as we WElcome Dr. Leslie Rabaut
Join us as we celebrate Dr. Rabaut, as she is an integral part of our Plum Health team!
She joined us in February 2021, but we couldn't have a proper celebration due to the pandemic.
Come out to The Congregation on Thursday as we welcome her to our practice! Our celebration will start at 5:30 pm and go until 7:30 pm. The Congregation is located at 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206. There are plenty of food and beverage options - coffee, water, sodas, tea, wine, beer, cocktails, etc… as well as sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Full menu is here.
No need to RSVP, we’ll see you there!
-Dr. Paul Thomas with Plum Health DPC
More about dr. Leslie Rabaut
Leslie Rabaut, DO, is a board certified family medicine physician in Detroit. She practices high quality care that is individualized to each patient. Her interests include functional medicine, preventative medicine, and integrative therapies that work with a patient’s natural physiology to encourage healing. She enjoys working with patients on lifestyle factors that impact health and disease, such as stress, sleep, physical activity, nutrition, and social relationships. She believes in working together with patients as a team to help them achieve their personal health goals. Dr. Rabaut is fluent in Spanish and English.
Map for The Congregation Detroit for our celebration with Dr. Leslie Rabaut on Thursday June 24th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Dr. Paul Thomas Talks Direct Primary Care on the Powers Report Podcast
This week, Dr. Paul Thomas was featured on the Powers Report Podcast. In the podcast Dr. Thomas and Janis Powers talk about the pros and cons of Direct Primary Care.
Janis Powers talks in depth with one of direct primary care’s (DPC) most committed practitioners, Dr. Paul Thomas of Plum Health DPC. In this episode, Dr. Thomas gives some great examples of the benefits of DPC, describing his in-depth relationships with patients. Powers also probes some of the challenges of scaling DPC, given the exclusivity of both insurance and provider networks in America.
In our opinion, Direct Primary Care solves so many challenges in the primary care system. Direct primary care addresses long wait times to see the doctor and the inflated cost of care.
Direct primary care is different than concierge medicine. Direct primary care is a monthly membership for health care and it usually costs about $50 to $89 monthly. With DPC, patients are not required to carry insurance, although most members have some form of insurance coverage. Concierge Medicine is billed annually and usually costs $2,400 per year. Concierge doctors require a premium health insurance coverage to expedite referrals and minimize prior authorization requests. In the past, our blog has covered this in depth, here.
In the podcast, we discuss how we’re able to save our patients 50% to 90% on medications, lab work, and imaging services. We buy medications at wholesale and pass on the cost savings to our patients, we draw blood at cost and pass on the savings to our patients, and we have found local imaging centers with very affordable cash-pay rates for services. This cost savings can make a big impact on folks with a limited income and limited access to high quality health care resources. We were recently featured on Channel 7 Action News about how we save money on prescription meds.
Thanks for reading and listening, and have a great day,
-Dr. Paul Thomas with Plum Health DPC
Dr. Paul Thomas of Plum Health DPC Featured in the Save Summer 2021 Campaign
We all want to get through this COVID-19 pandemic as soon as possible. The best tool that we have at this time is the Coronavirus vaccine. A group of ambitious and vocal young adults and college students are working to get their peers vaccinated so that Summer 2021 can go off without a hitch. If everyone gets vaccinated, we’ll be able to have more graduations, concerts, get togethers, and celebrations while we minimize the risk of transmitting the virus. Check out their important work at Save Summer 2021!