Plum Health Blog
Dr. Raquel Orlich is a Family Medicine Doctor in Detroit Michigan
Dr. Raquel Orlich is a Family Medicine Doctor in Detroit Michigan
Dr. Raquel Orlich is a family medicine doctor and she has been practicing with our clinic, Plum Health DPC, in Corktown Detroit for the past 2 years and 8 months. She provides excellent, compassionate care for our patients at Plum Health and delivers comprehensive care for all of her patients.
Dr. Raquel Orlich is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. She loves helping her patients with musculoskeletal issues via the use of Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM), she enjoys engaging in women’s health care issues, and she enjoys addressing overweight and obesity issues as she helps her patients lose weight and become healthier.
Further, Dr. Raquel Orlich’s patients love the care that she delivers. This is best captured by a recent Google review from one such patient:
By far the best in health care I've ever dealt with. I was only a patient here under a year, but I gleaned so much info and confidence in my health journey. I moved to another state and am constantly wishing I could just hop in to Plum! I saw Raquel Orlich specifically, and she was a joy as well as being supremely comfortable, knowledgeable and communicative. Every test was returned with detailed results so I was never once confused or doing my own research or guessing at how to correct the issue. She always heard me out and was willing to explore even if I was wrong. I was never brushed off and I usually left feeling confident. Chris was amazing and so welcoming as well and made all the labs a breeze. I'd honestly stand outside with a sandwich board on waiving cars into the parking lot like H&R block in tax season if they wanted me to. 🤣 They are so worth it.
Further, Dr. Orlich has been with us for 2 years and 8 months, so she knows many of the resources available to patients here in Detroit and beyond. This allows her to guide patients to the best care options and reach their optimal health.
Thank you Dr. Orlich for all that you do for our clinic and our patients!
The above photo was taken in March 2019 - Dr. Orlich was completing the last few months of her residency program and she was coming by to pick up a fresh new white coat and her new business cards. This was an exciting moment and it was so great to welcome her as part of our Plum Health team.
Dr. Raquel Orlich Celebrates 2 Years with Plum Health DPC
Dr. Raquel Orlich Celebrates 2 Years with Plum Health DPC
As of this month, Dr. Raquel Orlich has been with Plum Health DPC for 2 years!
Dr. Orlich is Board Certified in Family Medicine, Board Certified in Obesity Medicine, and she holds a certification in administering Botox in our clinic (treating wrinkles, TMJ, and migraines).
Beyond her technical skills, Dr. Orlich has built trusting and healing relationships with her patients. She is currently accepting new patients.
Thank you for helping us make health care affordable and accessible in Detroit and beyond!
Raquel Orlich DO is a Detroit Doctor who is Board Certified in Obesity Medicine
Raquel Orlich DO is a Detroit Doctor who is Board Certified in Obesity Medicine
Dr. Raquel Orlich is Board Certified in Family Medicine and she is Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Orlich helps people in our practice lose weight and keep it off with an evidence-based approach. This is just another way that we're making comprehensive health care affordable and accessible at Plum Health DPC.
Dr. Raquel Orlich is Board Certified in Obesity Medicine and Family Medicine. She helps patients lose weight via an evidence-based approach to care.
Rates of Obesity in Detroit
The rate of Obesity in Detroit is 38%, that means that more than 1 in 3 Detroiters are Obese. The rate of Obesity in the State of Michigan is high as well, and it leads to early heart attacks and strokes, as well as an increase in the risk of diabetes. Here’s some striking findings from a recent report from the Michigan Department of Community Health:
Michigan had the 8th highest prevalence rate of obesity in the United States in 2008.
In 2008, 65.3% of Michigan adults were either overweight or obese; 35.2% were overweight and an additional 30.1% were obese.
Blacks had a significantly higher obesity rate (39.8%) than whites (28.8%).
Obese adults had a higher prevalence of arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attack, diabetes and inadequate sleep compared with non-obese adults.
Obese adults also reported the highest prevalence of poor life satisfaction, poor general health, poor physical health, poor mental health and activity limitations compared with non-obese adults.
This is why it’s so important to take an evidence-based approach to weight loss via healthy eating and healthy exercising. If we continue to grow heavier as a society and as a community, the weight-related comorbidities will cause big problems for our overall health - physical, psychological, and emotional.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raquel Orlich, you can do so here.
Three Excellent Family Physicians in Detroit Michigan Accepting New Patients
Detroit Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Paul Thomas MD, Raquel Orlich DO, and Leslie Rabaut DO are family medicine doctors accepting new patients in Detroit, Michigan. Their practice is called Plum Health and they see patients using a membership model for health care. Patients pay a low monthly fee to be a part of Plum Health, and with that membership, receive excellent primary care services.
Patients can come into the office whenever they want to be seen - we guarantee a same-day or next-day appointment for our Plum Health members. We also offer easy communication, with phone calls, text message, and email access to the doctors.
To see what all the buzz is about, you can enroll yourself, your family, or your small business into the Plum Health service via this link.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!
The Doctors at Plum Health DPC are Raquel Orlich DO, Paul Thomas MD, and Leslie Rabaut DO. They are all board certified family medicine physicians and they are all accepting new patients.
Connect with Dr. Paul Thomas on LinkedIn
If you’d like to connect with Dr. Paul Thomas on LinkedIn, follow this link:
Plum Health DPC Featured on PBS Nationally
Plum Health featured on PBS’ Start Up Show
Plum Health DPC was featured on the PBS show Start Up - we filmed this in July 2020 and it was a great opportunity to share about our mission to deliver affordable and accessible healthcare services in Detroit and beyond. The host Gary Bredow and his team interviewed our staff and our patients, including our doctors Raquel Orlich, DO and Jamie Qualls, DO.
Plum Health Start Up show Episode Overview
Here’s what PBS had to say about the episode:
Dr. Paul Thomas knew what he wanted to do with his life since the age of 17. After completing medical school, residency and a short stint at an Urgent Care facility, he founded Plum Health. Plum Health offers direct primary care services based on a subscription model. Rather than charge patients for each visit, patients pay a set fee each month, gaining direct access to doctors as needed.
Why Direct primary care is appealing for Patients
During the episode, the host Gary Bredow interviews a few of our patients. He talks with Will Langford and he talks about being seen by his doctors, and understood by his doctors. Will says that “I believe that Plum Health is the future of medicine.” He goes on to say that, “for people who’ve never experienced direct primary care - it’s worth it. If you’ve ever felt that a doctor didn’t see you, or didn’t hear you, or didn’t believe you, anybody who’s just wanted help, and they haven’t gotten it from people who were supposed to help, try direct primary care.”
Will “The Poet” Langford discusses why he’s a part of Plum Health DPC with Gary Bredow, the host of the Start Up show on PBS.
Why Direct primary care is appealing for Doctors
During the episode at about the 10 minute mark, Gary Bredow sits down with Dr. Raquel Orlich and asks “what do you find attractive or appealing about this model versus the traditional model?” Dr. Orlich discusses the importance of talking with patients and getting to know them, and the ease of communication via in-person appointments, text messages, and emails. She also discusses the importance of having enough time to work through all of the factors that are affecting her patients’ health, and this can lead to patients feeling heard and being able to get to the root of their health care problems.
Raquel Orlich, DO of Plum Health DPC during the filming of Start Up with Gary Bredow on PBS. Plum Health DPC is a direct primary care practice in Detroit and Farmington Hills that delivers affordable and accessible health care services.
Dr. Jamie Qualls is working with Plum Health out of our Farmington Hills, Michigan location and she joined our practice because she can “go out and be the doctor I really wanted to be.” She goes on to say that this direct primary care model is growing rapidly not only across the country, but locally, and patients are loving the experience of being a part of Plum Health and a part of direct primary care practices in general. The direct relationship between doctors and patients is really appealing to patients in our practice.
Dr. Jamie Qualls, DO, MPH of Plum Health DPC talks with the host Gary Bredow about why the direct primary care model works for both patients and doctors.
“Maybe the direct primary care model is the future.”
There were so many memorable moments from this episode, but perhaps the most powerful sentiment was communicated in the closing remarks of the host of the show, Gary Bredow. He said:
“After speaking with several of his patients, his model is working. Throughout our conversation, I couldn’t help but wonder why a common-sense approach to health care seemed so foreign to me. Dealing with insurance companies is all that many of us have ever known. Waiting on hold for hours at a time trying to speak with someone and trying to decode confusing bills has always been synonymous with healthcare for me. I just assumed that it’s a part of the wellness process.
“But this is something entirely different. Individuals pay an affordable monthly rate for the service, the doctor gets to spend more time with patients, which possibly leads to better preventative care and you don’t have to wonder what your next visit is going to cost, or have to deal with co-pays, deductibles, or out of pocket expenses. To me, the health care system is not working for everyone equally with millions of people uninsured or underinsured. Maybe the direct primary care model is the future. Either way, it’s nice to know that there’s options available.”
We agree - direct primary care is the future, or at least a part of it. While direct primary care will never replace catastrophic insurance or some form of insurance coverage that serves as a financial tool to prevent bankruptcy, insurance can never give to patients what direct primary care gives to patients - a straightforward and trusting relationship between doctors and their patients.
How to Sign Up
If you want this type of care for yourself or your loved ones, your business or your family, you can enroll here.
Thanks for reading and watching this segment, and we are happy to help you in your journey to better health!
-Drs. Paul Thomas, MD, Raquel Orlich, DO, Jamie Qualls, DO, MPH, and Leslie Rabaut, DO
Paul Thomas, MD of Plum Health DPC during the filming of Start Up with Gary Bredow on PBS. Plum Health DPC is a direct primary care practice in Detroit and Farmington Hills that delivers affordable and accessible health care services.
Dr. Raquel Orlich is a Family Physician in Detroit Michigan
Dr. Raquel Orlich is a Family Physician in Detroit Michigan
Dr. Raquel Orlich is a family medicine physician in Detroit, Michigan. She takes care of a broad range of conditions out of her office in Corktown Detroit. She’s building a reputation as an excellent primary care physician and family medicine doctor. One of her patients recently left a glowing review on Google:
I have been a patient at Plum for a little under one year now. Since the moment I was greeted at the door by Chris, I felt very welcomed and comfortable. Changing doctors can sometimes be scary because you hope they have your best interest at heart, but sometimes that doesn't always end up being true. That is not the case with Plum Health. Dr. Raquel is hands down the best Dr. I've ever had (and I've had a lot). She addressed every issue and concern with meticulous solutions. Dr. Paul was also very attentive any time Dr. Raquel was away. What I love most about Plum Health is how you can text or call them at all hours if the matter is urgent or if you have random health questions. They respond in a timely manner, it's awesome. I would recommend Plum Health to every person who does not have access to health insurance. It's the next best thing. OH! Getting your prescriptions at wholesale price saved me a lot of money which was a huge plus!
Raquel Orlich, DO is a Family Medicine Doctor Accepting New Patients
Currently, Dr. Raquel Orlich is accepting new patients at her office in Corktown Detroit. She takes care of people from Detroit and the surrounding communities, including Royal Oak, Ferndale, Southfield, Dearborn, Taylor, Redford, Southgate, Grosse Pointe, and many more.
In the above photo, Dr. Raquel Orlich is using an osteopathic manual medicine technique - she uses her hands to help people with musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. If you’d like to see Dr. Raquel Orlich, you can schedule an appointment with her, here.
START UP TV Show Featuring Plum Health DPC Airing Sunday at 1:30 pm on PBS
START UP TV Show Featuring Plum Health DPC Airing Sunday at 1:30 pm on PBS
Sunday November 15th at 1:30 pm in the Detroit market and Sunday November 22nd nationally, Plum Health DPC will be featured on the START UP TV Show on PBS. They’re focusing on how we’re lowering the cost of healthcare in Detroit and beyond. If you didn’t know, the number one reason for bankruptcy in the US is medical debt. 🏥 💰This is wrong and it needs to be fixed. 🛠
As doctors 🥼 , we took an oath to “first do no harm”, and that oath needs to include financial harm. Join us as we work towards a more just and equitable health care delivery system. 💊 💉
Here’s what they had to say about us:
Dr. Paul Thomas knew what he wanted to do with his life since the age of 17. After completing medical school, residency and a short stint at an urgent care facility, he founded Plum Health. Plum Health offers direct primary care services based on a subscription model. Rather than charge patients for each visit, patients pay a set fee each month, gaining direct access to doctors as needed, including access to wholesale medications, imaging services and lab work. This is a story about disruption, and being the change that you wish to see.
Here’s the description of START UP TV Show from their website:
What does it really take to follow your dreams? Learn from the people who've done it.
Join host Gary Bredow as he travels across America interviewing small business owners to hear their personal stories and find out what it really takes to start a successful business from the ground up. Energetic, inspirational, and educational, START UP is a fast paced series that captures the heart and imagination of anyone who has ever dreamed of starting their own business.
The filming process for this episode took a lot of time, effort, and energy, so we’re grateful to the START UP TV Show team.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day,
-Dr. Paul Thomas with Plum Health DPC
Dr. Jamie Qualls uses an osteopathic manual medicine technique for one of our patients. Dr. Jamie Qualls is a board certified family medicine physician who practices out of our Plum Health DPC location in Farmington Hills. You can learn more about Dr. Jamie Qualls, here.
Dr. Raquel Orlich counts out medications, getting ready to dispense them from our in-house pharmacy at our Plum Health DPC location in Corktown, Detroit. Dr. Raquel Orlich is a board certified family physician taking care of patients in our Corktown Location. You can learn more about Dr. Raquel Orlich, here.
Great Feedback From One of Our New Members at Plum Health
This week, we got some great feedback from one of our new members at Plum Health DPC. Here’s what she had to say in a Facebook post:
I’ve been hearing about Plum Health DPC for a while, I signed up and was l was seen yesterday by them. It’s been 24 hours and I can’t stop raving about it! Everyone who is a small business owner or self employed knows that private insurances are a joke & so pricy.
I was seen the day after I scheduled my appointment, No wait when arriving to the beautiful clinic. You pay a monthly fee for unlimited service (I’m paying $49, you can cancel at anytime), all services that they offer are very low cost, my blood work was $45, B12 injection $1.45, and a prescription for $1.39. They offer I’ll say most or all services that you’ll get at your primary care office. Apart from the affordable services I absolutely loved my doctor, I was not rushed AT ALL.
You also have the flexibility of texting your doctor, I was texting my doctor yesterday and I can’t even explain how that feels like.
Maybe I’m sharing a bit TMI, but I know so many self employed people and small business owners that have no insurance. I had not been properly seen by a doctor in over 5 years because of insurance so I wish I would’ve came across them sooner & I hope that others take advantage of how wonderful this service is.
They’re located in Corktown (Michigan & Trumbull)
Check them out if you want more information
Okay I’m done 🤣
If you’d like to to see for yourself why people love our direct primary care services at Plum Health, you can sign up here.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day,
-Paul Thomas MD with Plum Health DPC
Plum Health DPC was recently given a glowing review on Facebook by one of our new members!
What are the ages of patients at Plum Health DPC?
How Old are the Patients at Plum Health DPC?
We are often asked how old are your patients at your practice?
First of all, we are primary care physicians and family medicine doctors, and that means that we take care of patients of all ages and stages. All patients are welcome at our practice regardless of age.
Currently, our youngest patient is two months old and our oldest patient is 102 years old. That being said the majority of our members at Plum Health DPC are between the ages of 20 and 65 years.
I think there are a number of factors at play that cause the majority of our patients to be in that demographic.
First of all, we are a primarily urban practice, and we take care of several young urban professionals who are highly mobile and without children. Detroit and Southeast Michigan has a strong economic output, that attracts top talent to the region in various professions like law, medicine, automotive engineering, and others. Perhaps we would have more pediatric patients if we were in a suburban community where there are more children and families.
Second, the people that I know trust me and are more likely to become my patients. The people that I know are mostly my age, plus or minus a few years. That probably skews our data or the number of patients in our practice who are around the age of 33 somewhat.
Third, our country provides health insurance coverage for people under age 26 through the affordable care act. As long as a child’s parents have health insurance, that child will be covered under their parents’ health insurance plan. Also, those individuals over 65 are covered by Medicare, and because they may be on a fixed income they may be less inclined to seek out a direct primary care practice where they have to pay over and above their Medicare coverage.
Even thought we take care of patients of all ages and stages, one thing that we don’t do in our practice is deliver babies.
If you Don’t Deliver Babies, Who Do you Recommend for Obstetric Services?
We don’t deliver babies in our office and we don’t have hospital privileges to deliver babies at the hospital. However, we do take care of moms and growing babies during the first trimester of pregnancy. During that first trimester visit, we can perform a pregnancy test and also screen for conditions that may be harmful to the growing fetus, like blood sugar testing, sexually transmitted infection testing, and making sure there’s no bacteria in the urine.
During the second and third trimesters, we make sure to coordinate care with practicing Obstetricians and Gynecologists who are trusted in our community. We’ve developed a list of trusted professionals in Metro Detroit and we share it here to help our patients and the greater community find the Doctors or Midwives who can help them with a successful delivery.
This list includes doctors that we have worked with personally and doctors who our patients and greater community members have had great experiences with. Here’s that list:
Essam Khraizat, MD
Michigan Women's Care
Obstetrician-gynecologist in Canton Township, Michigan
Address: 6300 N Haggerty Rd #200, Canton, MI 48187
Phone: (734) 981-8181
Paige E. Paladino DO
Address: 11012 E Thirteen Mile Rd #212, Warren, MI 48093
Phone: (586) 582-7150
https://healthcare.ascension.org/doctors/1255651170/paige-e-paladino-warren-mi?&i
Cara Speier, DO with Beaumont
Address: 27750 Middlebelt Rd #150, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: (248) 476-7650
https://doctors.beaumont.org/provider/Carrie+Lynn+Speier+Schafer/225128
Dr. Soheyla Pezeshki
Metro Partners in Women’s Health out of Providence Park
Address: 26850 Providence Pkwy c500, Novi, MI 48374
Phone: (248) 662-4388
Beata Weiermiller, MD at Somerset Gynecology and Obstetrics
Address: 3290 W Big Beaver Rd Suite 444, Troy, MI 48084
Products and Services: somersetgynecologyobstetrics.com
Appointments: somersetgynecologyobstetrics.com
Phone: (248) 816-9200
https://www.somersetgynecologyobstetrics.com/md/BWeiermiller
Eastside Gynecology & Obstetrics, P.C
Address: 29751 Little Mack Ave # B, Roseville, MI 48066
Phone: (586) 415-6200
https://doctors.beaumont.org/provider/Carrie+Lynn+Speier+Schafer/225128
Women First OB/GYN Center
Medical clinic in Royal Oak, Michigan
Uses a Natural Birthing Center out of Beaumont
Address: 326 N Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 584-7600
List of Doctors, Nurses, and Midwives at this practice: http://women-firstobgyn.com/our-experts.html
IHA Nurse Midwives in Ann Arbor
Address: 4200 Whitehall Dr Suite 350, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 572-9600
https://ihacares.com/locations/mi/ann-arbor/iha-nurse-midwives
Covenant Community Care
Address: 27776 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 556-4900
Appointments: covenantcommunitycare.org
Able to care for Medicaid-enrolled patients
Coronavirus Update: Have we Flattened the Curve in Michigan?
Coronavirus Update for Detroit and Michigan
As of the filming of this video, there were 32,967 coronavirus cases in the State of Michigan and 2,700 confirmed deaths in the State of Michigan. The increase from April 21st to April 22nd was 967 new cases and 232 new deaths.
This death count was pushed up by deaths that occurred previously and were not attributed to Coronavirus, but are now attributed to Coronavirus. In the video, we mistakenly attributed this jump in new deaths to perhaps an accurate counting of bodies at DMC's Sinai Grace Hospital (https://www.wxyz.com/news/coronavirus/disturbing-images-show-bodies-piled-up-at-sinai-grace-hospital-in-detroit), but this was not the case.
Flattening the Curve
In Detroit and in Michigan, we seem to be flattening the curve. Our public health efforts and the greater community support of these measures seems to be working to reduce the number of new infections. On April 3rd, there were nearly 2,000 cases reported that day. As of April 22nd, there were only 967 new cases reported. This is a good sign that we're being effective in our community strategies and social distancing efforts.
How Vaccines Work and How They May Help Us Prevent Coronavirus in the Future
Vaccines work when scientists are able to take a virus, break it down, and inject only the protein capsule into the body. That's what we, as scientists, do with the flu vaccine. We remove the RNA from the virus, the part of the virus that replicates and creates more viruses, and we give our patients only the viral proteins.
This way, our bodies can create antibodies or a robust immune response to the viral proteins, and prevent a larger infection from taking hold when we're exposed to the actual virus.
What's an Example of a Successful Vaccine from the Past?
Let's use Polio as an example.
In the late 1940s, polio outbreaks in the U.S. increased in frequency and size, crippling an average of more than 35,000 people each year. Parents were frightened to let their children go outside, especially in the summer when the virus seemed to peak. Travel and commerce between affected cities were sometimes restricted. Public health officials imposed quarantines (used to separate and restrict the movement of well people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become ill) on homes and towns where polio cases were diagnosed.(https://www.cdc.gov/polio/what-is-polio/polio-us.html)
In 1952, the number of polio cases in the U.S. peaked at 57,879, resulting in 3,145 deaths. Those who survived this highly infectious disease could end up with some form of paralysis, forcing them to use crutches, wheelchairs or to be put into an iron lung, a large tank respirator that would pull air in and out of the lungs, allowing them to breathe. (https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/the-deadly-polio-epidemic-and-why-it-matters-for-coronavirus)
The first polio vaccine was available in the United States in 1955, invented by Jonas Salk.
Thanks to the polio vaccine, dedicated health care professionals, and parents who vaccinate their children on schedule, polio has been eliminated in this country for more than 30 years. This means that there is no year-round transmission of poliovirus in the United States.
Since 1979, no cases of polio have originated in the U.S.
However, the virus has been brought into the country by travelers with polio. The last time this happened was in 1993.
Hopefully, we can achieve the same results with a future Coronavirus Vaccine.
What is Herd Immunity?
Herd Immunity means that enough people in the population are immune to the Coronavirus, which will greatly limit its spread.
This Herd Immunity can be achieved in a few different ways. First, once a number of Americans get the Coronavirus, they will fight off the infection and become immune, limiting the spread of the virus once they recover.
Second, once a vaccine is developed, many more people will become immune through vaccination. Just like being vaccinated for the influenza virus, or for Polio, or for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, once you’ve been vaccinated for these viruses, your body creates immunoglobulins or antibodies to help protect you from infection from these viruses.
Unfortunately, the Coronavirus or COVID-19 vaccine will take 18 months to 2 years to develop, so this option will take a long time to achieve.
Thanks for reading and watching,
- Dr. Paul Thomas and Dr. Raquel Orlich with Plum Health DPC
Dr. Raquel Orlich Featured on WDET's Detroit Today
This week, Dr. Raquel Orlich was featured on WDET’s Detroit Today radio program. Dr. Orlich answered many insightful questions from both the host Stephen Henderson and callers. To listen to the show, follow this link.
Raquel Orlich, DO is a board certified family physician. She has been with Plum Health since July 2019 and everyday she works to deliver affordable and accessible health care in Detroit. She is passionate about quality patient-centered care and establishing strong doctor-patient relationships. Her clinical interests include osteopathic manipulative medicine for chronic musculoskeletal issues, women’s health, and preventative health. She is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency training at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital.
Dr. Paul Thomas and Dr. Raquel Orlich are family medicine doctors with Plum Health DPC in Detroit Michigan. Recently, Dr. Raquel Orlich was featured on WDET to discuss Coronavirus.
Here’s the abbreviated transcript from WDET:
Guests
Dr. Anne Messman, emergency room doctor at a Detroit Hospital
Dr. Raquel Orlich, family doctor at Plum Health Direct Primary Care in Corktown, Detroit
I live alone and have been sheltering in place. Is it OK for me to visit other people who have also been sheltering in place by themselves?
No. The social distancing guideline still stands not to visit people. Until we know how to identify asymptomatic carriers, we must stay apart, unfortunately.
Do asymptomatic people ever show symptoms, or do they stay asymptomatic?
“Asymptomatic carriers, by definition, never get sick or show symptoms, but they can still pass on the virus,” says Dr. Messman.
Can COVID-19 survivors get infected by coronavirus after they have recovered?
We don’t know, yet. We do know the coronavirus has mutated several times, so, at this time, we believe it is possible that a survivor could get the virus again.
How long does it take for someone to shed the virus?
It varies greatly. Some people stopped shedding the virus soon after recovery, and for others, it took up to a month. We also don’t know yet if you can infect someone while you’re shedding the virus.
I was exposed to someone who later tested positive for coronavirus. I have had symptoms including a cough and low energy, and I passed out recently. What should I do?
Since there is still no treatment for COVID-19, if you are experiencing mild symptoms, it is best to stay home and recover. Do not take NSAID medications like ibuprofen or Motrin. It is okay to take Tylenol if you want to treat a fever. If your symptoms are severe and you need medical attention, you should go to the hospital.
I had a cold last month and some of those symptoms are still lingering. Is that a symptom of coronavirus?
If you’ve had a cold, or have had seasonal allergies in the past, don’t worry. A tickle in the throat can last weeks after having a cold. However, if you have symptoms that are unusual for you, pay attention for symptoms of COVID-19 and take extra care. If you experience sever symptoms, go to a hospital.
Does using Tylenol to treat a fever negatively impact my immune response? Should I just leave the fever untreated?
Healthcare providers have differing opinions on this question, but if you have a fever and want to treat it, Tylenol is OK. A very high fever can be very dangerous and should not go untreated.
Does wearing a mask protect me, or other people?
Wearing a mask protects both you and other people. The main function of the mask is to catch droplets from someone coughing or sneezing before they get in the air. It is best to wear a mask if you need to go out.
I had a stomach virus recently. Is that a symptom of COVID-19?
Some patients who tested positive have experienced symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting. There are other reasons you might experience gastrointestinal issues including influenza or food poisoning.
I may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, but I’m showing no symptoms. Can I get an antibody test to find out if am an asymptomatic carrier?
We do not have an antibody test, yet.
This week, Dr. Raquel Orlich was featured on Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson. She was able to answer many listener’s questions about Coronavirus and Covid-19
Dr. Raquel Orlich Reaches A Major Milestone
This week, Dr. Raquel Orlich reached a major milestone - she now has 200 patients in her practice panel. Here’s what we said on Facebook:
A huge congratulations 🎈 to Dr. Raquel Orlich. She joined our Plum Health direct primary care practice on July 1st 2019 and she’s already reached 200 patients in her panel!
Dr. Raquel 👩🏻⚕️ is intelligent, compassionate, and a relentless advocate for the health and wellbeing of her patients. She focuses on chronic musculoskeletal issues, women's health, and preventive medicine.
We’re lucky to work with you, and our patients are fortunate to have such a kind and caring doctor looking out for their best interests. 💯
Of note, Dr. Raquel has room for about 500 patients in her practice panel, so if you’d like to sign up to be one of her patients, head over to our Schedule Now page to get started!
-Drs. Paul Thomas and Raquel Orlich with Plum Health DPC
Detroit Doctors Cut the Ribbon on a New Corktown Office with Mayor Duggan
Plum Health DPC Cuts the Ribbon on Corktown Office with Mayor Duggan
DETROIT (Dec. 14, 2019) – On Thursday, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), Mayor Mike Duggan and community members of Corktown joined Motor City Match (MCM) awardee Dr. Paul Thomas at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of his Direct Primary Care practice, Plum Health DPC.
The Ribbon is Cut with Mayor Mike Duggan, Paul Thomas, MD, Raquel Orlich, DO, and Chris Lake, medical assistant at Plum Health DPC in Corktown, Detroit.
Photo Credit to Nadir Ali at https://www.3andathird.com/
Plum Health DPC has expanded its presence in Detroit, moving into a new 1,700 square foot retail space at The Corner - a mixed-use development on the site of the former Tiger Stadium at Michigan Avenue and Trumbull.
The health care office, previously located in Southwest Detroit, moved to Corktown after a significant increase in demand for Plum Health’s innovative services. The new location in Corktown allows for a much larger, more tailored, and community-oriented space with easy access for patients.
Mayor Mike Duggan speaks about Plum Health DPC and the importance of primary care services in Detroit with Paul Thomas, MD and Raquel Orlich, DO.
Photo Credit to Nadir Ali at https://www.3andathird.com/
“It is crucial for Detroit residents to have access to healthcare facilities in their communities without having to travel outside of the City,” said Duggan. “We are thankful to Dr. Thomas for his commitment to the wellness of Corktown and nearby residents. I’d like to encourage more health care providers to open throughout the City so that Detroiter’s are able to receive the medical services they so richly deserve.”
Wayne State University School of Medicine alumnus, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Plum Health DPC owner Dr. Paul Thomas started his business as a house-call only practice in 2016, recognizing the need for affordable and accessible healthcare in Detroit. His physical practice began in a one-room office located inside the Detroit School of Digital Technology, at the former Third Precinct police station in Southwest Detroit. At peak capacity in the old location, Dr. Thomas and his team were serving roughly 500 patients.
“We believe that health care should be affordable and accessible for everyone, and we are very grateful to our many community partners for assisting us in expanding our services, and therefore access to vital primary care resources,” said Dr. Thomas. “First we need to thank our patients for trusting us with their health care. Next, we need to thank Mayor Mike Duggan, the Motor City Match Program, the DEGC, Quicken Loans Demo Day, TechTown’s Retail Boot Camp, and the Build Institute. So many people and organizations have helped us get to where we are today.”
Today, Plum Health DPC has expanded to a team of two physicians, adding Dr. Raquel Orlich, a graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, to the practice in July 2019. The two physicians and a newly-hired medical assistant currently serve 600 patients out of the Corktown office.
Dr. Raquel Orlich greets Mayor Mike Duggan at Plum Health DPC in Corktown, Detroit. Paul Thomas, MD and other members of the Detroit business community look on.
Photo Credit Shawn Lee at https://www.shawnleestudios.com/
The expansion also enables Plum Health to add a third physician to their team in the future, providing the center with the means to serve more than 1,500 patients in Detroit and beyond. It’s convenient location in the growing and bustling Corktown neighborhood and its low-cost membership model are further addressing Detroit’s primary care shortage.
"From the first moment I met Dr. Thomas I knew his business reflected the genuine values of the Corktown community as well as our efforts to embrace small, local, innovative, Detroit businesses," said Eric Larson, President/CEO of Larson Realty Group. "I am thrilled to welcome Plum Health to The Corner."
Plum Health’s move to Corktown and the build-out for their new space was supported by a $50,000 grant from Motor City Match and a $50,000 award from Quicken Loans Detroit Demo Day. Plum Health has also received technical support from TechTown and Build Institute.
“Quicken Loans Detroit Demo Day exists to bring capital and exposure to businesses in Detroit – especially those with innovative products or services that are creating amenities and jobs in the city. Seeing Plum Health deploy that capital to scale their operations and serve more patients is exactly the kind of outcome we hope for,” said Lauren Hoffman, Director of Entrepreneurship, Quicken Loans Community Fund.
Plum Health DPC uses a membership model for healthcare, charging patients a monthly fee, and billing them directly for specific services. Dr. Thomas said that by eliminating insurance claims for primary care services, he can offer his patients an up to 90 percent reduction in costs. For example, while a hospital might charge $3,000 for an MRI, Dr. Thomas charges only $297 for the same service. A $150 Comprehensive Metabolic Panel costs $6 at Plum Health; a $10 pharmacy charge for blood pressure medication is only $0.36 for patients there.
“Winning an MCM space and cash award allowed Dr. Thomas to build a world-class primary care office in an underserved neighborhood,” said Batton. “With high local demand for the professional health services Plum Health provides, this business is positioned for success and future growth. MCM is pleased to support business owners like Dr. Thomas who are committed to Detroit’s residents and neighborhoods that are providing the type of services that create long-term stability in communities.”
Plum Health’s new location at 1620 Michigan Avenue serves patients of all ages from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Those interested in the innovative subscription service, a full list of included procedures, and pricing can find more information here.
Dr. Paul Thomas addresses the media at the Plum Health DPC family medicine office in Corktown, Detroit.
Photo Credit Shawn Lee at https://www.shawnleestudios.com/
Media Contact:
Paul Thomas, MD | 313.444.5630 | paul@plumhealthdpc.com
Plum Health DPC, 1620 Michigan Ave, Suite 125, Detroit, MI 48216
About Plum Health DPC
Plum Health DPC is a Direct Primary Care service that is the first of its kind in Detroit and Wayne County. The family medicine service has a mission of delivering affordable, accessible health care in Detroit and beyond. This is achieved through on-time appointments, same-day/next-day appointments guaranteed, and 50- to 90-percent savings on procedures, medications, labs and imaging services. Plum Health DPC is located at 1620 Michigan Ave., Suite 125, Detroit, MI 48216. The hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To learn more, visit www.plumhealthdpc.com or call 313.444.5630.
About Paul Thomas, MD
Dr. Paul Thomas is a board-certified family medicine physician practicing in Corktown Detroit. His practice is Plum Health DPC, a Direct Primary Care service that is the first of its kind in Detroit and Wayne County. His mission is to deliver affordable, accessible health care services in Detroit and beyond. He has been featured on WDIV-TV Channel 4, WXYZ Channel 7, Crain's Detroit Business and CBS Radio. He has been a speaker at TEDxDetroit. He is a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine and now a Clinical Assistant Professor. Finally, he is an author of the book Direct Primary Care: The Cure for Our Broken Healthcare System.
About Raquel Orlich, DO
Dr. Raquel Orlich, DO is a board certified family physician. She is excited to join the mission of bringing affordable and accessible health care to Detroit. She is passionate about quality patient-centered care and establishing strong doctor-patient relationships. Her clinical interests include osteopathic manipulative medicine for chronic musculoskeletal issues, women’s health, and preventative health. She is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency training at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital.
About Direct Primary Care
The direct primary care (DPC) model gives family physicians a meaningful alternative to fee-for-service insurance billing, typically by charging patients a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee (i.e., a retainer) that covers all or most primary care services including clinical, laboratory, and consultative services, and care coordination and comprehensive care management. Because some services are not covered by a retainer, DPC practices often suggest that patients acquire a high-deductible wraparound policy to cover emergencies.
Direct primary care benefits patients by providing substantial savings and a greater degree of access to, and time with, physicians. Taken from the American Academy of Family Physicians website: https://www.aafp.org/practice-management/payment/dpc.htm
About Motor City Match
Motor City Match is a unique partnership between the City of Detroit, DEGC, the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (EDC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through 16 rounds, the program has granted $7.75 million in cash awards and leveraged a total investment of $42 million in Detroit neighborhoods. MCM also awards support in space, business plan, design and building categories. Competitive financial assistance is supported by a broad partnership of Southeast Michigan community development financial institutions and corporations. Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is a non-profit organization that serves as the lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development initiatives in Detroit.
Plum Health Featured on Small Talk with Mark S. Lee
Today we were featured on Small Talk with Mark S. Lee. This is our third time appearing on this program and it’s always a pleasure to be interviewed by Mark S. Lee.
Our segment starts at 45:13:
46:30 - we introduce Dr. Raquel Orlich, an Osteopathic physician who joined our practice on July 1st, 2019
46:40 - an update: Direct Primary Care is a membership model for health care that has grown tremendously because of the ever-rising costs of health insurance. There are now roughly 1,200 Direct Primary Care practices across the country. Our practice in Detroit, Plum Health DPC, now has over 500 members and we continue to deliver affordable, accessible healthcare in Detroit and beyond. People choose Plum Health because they can have a personal relationship with their doctor. People choose Plum Health because they have affordable costs for their meds, labs, and imaging services.
48:00 - Dr. Raquel Orlich talks about her education at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She also talks about how she found out about Plum Health DPC and how Dr. Paul and Dr. Raquel had a lot of alignment in their goals for medical care and community-based practice.
49:55 - Dr. Raquel Orlich talks about her scope of practice - taking care of people of all ages and stages. Dr. Raquel has special interests in Women’s Health, Preventive Medicine, and Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy.
50:42 - Mark S. Lee talks about our book Direct Primary Care: The Cure for Our Broken Healthcare System and how we thanked him in our Acknowledgments section for his coverage of Plum Health early on, before other journalists began taking notice.
50:55 - On the growth of Plum Health DPC, we have surpassed 500 members! This constitutes a full panel for Dr. Paul Thomas, and therefore we needed to bring on a second doctor, Dr. Raquel Orlich. At this point, any new patients will be patients of Dr. Raquel Orlich. We want to make it clear that there will always be room for new patients at Plum Health DPC and we will work tirelessly to accommodate anyone who needs or wants our care.
51:46 - Plum Health DPC will be moving into The Corner - Detroit development. This is at the Legendary Corner of Michigan and Trumbull in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit. This is an amazing place because of all the Major League Baseball history at this site - players like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth graced this diamond and this is the site of the 1984 Detroit Tigers’ World Series Championship. We will be moving into our new space at The Corner in September 2019 if everything goes according to plan and according to the proposed construction schedule.
53:12 - Dr. Raquel Orlich completed her residency at Ascension Macomb Hospital and she is now practicing in Detroit at Plum Health DPC. Mark S. Lee asks for her thoughts on the move. She wanted to have an opportunity to give back, especially with her background in volunteering. She wanted to make sure that she would have enough to spend with her patients and the capacity to provide low-cost services for patients who need it.
55:20 - Our practice, Plum Health DPC, continues to serve folks who have been left out by the traditional fee-for-service system. Dr. Paul Thomas discusses how we often have new patients sign up for the practice who haven’t been to the doctor for 5 - 10 years because they’ve been uninsured or underinsured and concerned about the cost of their potential medical care.
Thanks so much for listening, and have a wonderful day. If you’d like to have this type of health care for you, your family, or your small business, please reach out at 313.444.5630 or enroll online, here.
Again, a big thank you to Mark S. Lee for having us on his program, Small Talk with Mark S. Lee. Until next time!
-Paul Thomas, MD and Raquel Orlich, DO
What is Osteopathic Medicine?
What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or “DO”?
The best way to define an Osteopathic Physician is by what they believe. They follow the four tenets or principles of Osteopathic Medicine. They are as follows:
The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.
The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.
In short, an osteopathic physician is trained to treat the person as a whole as every body system can relate to one another. Because of this holistic approach, not surprisingly many DOs have a strong interest in preventative health and primary care.
Osteopathic physicians complete four years of medical school and at least three years of residency, just like their Allopathic or MD counterparts. However, in addition to their stethoscopes and medical exam equipment, DOs have special training to use their hands as diagnostic and therapeutic tools with a treatment called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.
Dr. Raquel Orlich uses her hands to treat a patient at the Plum Health DPC; this is known as Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.
What is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine?
A DO or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine also known as “OMM or OMT” during medical school and residency. It is a hands-on technique used to help diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.
During an osteopathic exam, a head to toe assessment will be performed to evaluate for abnormalities that the Doctor can feel with their hands called somatic dysfunctions. These abnormalities may have an effect on your activities of daily living, like dressing, eating, and bathing. They may also disrupt the way you walk and the way you move because they may be painful, and this can impact your overall quality of life.
Somatic dysfunctions can be defined as impaired or altered function of the somatic (body framework) system: skeleton, joints, and myofascial structures (muscles, ligaments, tendons) and their relation to the blood vessels, lymphatic system, and nerves.
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or DO employs treatments that restore and improve range of motion, by focusing on realigning trouble spots. Treatment modalities are patient specific and can include myofascial release (soft tissue work), muscle energy, high velocity low amplitude (traditional chiropractic work), counterstrain, and Still technique. During the visit, time will be set aside to discuss home stretches, exercises, and injury prevention.
What conditions can an Osteopathic Physician Treat with Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine?
Dr. Raquel Orlich uses the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine technique to diagnose and treat a patient with a musculoskeletal health problem at the Plum Health DPC clinic in Detroit, Michigan.
Here is a list of common issues that can be treated and improved with OMM
Pain related to improper alignment in the back, hips, shoulders, and neck (chronic and acute)
Musculoskeletal pain of the arm and leg
Nerve impingement (sciatica, radiculopathy)
Range of motion of tissues and joints
Headache (tension, migraine, and sinus)
Constipation
If you are dealing with some of the issues listed above, you may be a good candidate for OMM as a safe and effective form of therapy. Getting an appointment is easy, just click this link.
-Dr. Raquel
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Plum Health to increase access to primary care in Detroit
Plum Health Direct Primary Care adds a second family medicine physician due to an overwhelming demand for a new style of health care.
Dr. Raquel Orlich, DO will join Plum Health DPC, starting July 1st, 2019.
Detroit, Michigan, May 15th, 2019 - Plum Health Direct Primary Care (DPC) is pleased to announce that Raquel Orlich, DO will be joining Plum Health starting July 1st, 2019. Dr. Orlich is a board-certified family physician, with a passion for osteopathic manipulative medicine, women’s health, and preventive medicine.
She is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency training at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, where she is currently Chief Resident.
"I'm excited to help make health care more affordable, accessible and human in Detroit. I am joining the Plum Health team because I believe in the mission, and I'm looking forward to establishing strong relationships with my patients", noted Dr. Orlich when asked why she chose to join a direct primary care practice over a traditional fee for service model.
"We've had an overwhelming response to our style of healthcare, so we need to add a team member to meet the demand," says Dr. Paul Thomas, who for the last two-and-a-half years, has been serving residents in Detroit and beyond from Plum Health's office in Southwest Detroit. There are currently 500 members in the practice who are cared for by Dr. Paul Thomas. Dr. Orlich's arrival will allow Plum Health to care for an additional 500 patients.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) physicians do not bill or use insurance, which means they can provide their patients with steeply discounted medications, labs, imaging services, and procedures. This practice model allows patients to have a direct relationship with their primary care physician by enrolling in an affordable subscription-based service. A Plum Health subscription is between $10 and $89 per month.
What's more is DPC doctors like Dr. Orlich make themselves available by phone, text message, or video call. This connectivity makes getting care even more convenient for their patients.
Media Contact
Dr. Paul Thomas, MD
Founder & Physician, Plum Health DPC
p | (313) 444 - 5630
More about Plum Health DPC
At Plum Health, we believe that health care should be affordable and accessible to everyone. Members of the practice can call, text, or email the doctor anytime they need health care services. We guarantee same-day/next-day appointments. Additionally, patients have access to wholesale medications, at-cost imaging services, and at-cost lab work. Plum Health began in November 2016 with eight patients and now has 500 active patients, spanning in age from 4 months to 101 years of age. Our vision is to provide the best healthcare experience in Detroit and beyond.
More about Dr. Paul Thomas
Dr. Paul Thomas is a board-certified family medicine physician practicing in Southwest Detroit. His practice is Plum Health DPC, a Direct Primary Care service that is the first of its kind in Detroit and Wayne County. His mission is to deliver affordable, accessible health care services in Detroit and beyond. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He served as Chief Resident at Oakwood Family Medicine Residency Program. Thomas is also the author of the book Direct Primary Care: The Cure for Our Broken Healthcare System.
More about Direct Primary Care
The direct primary care (DPC) model gives family physicians a meaningful alternative to fee-for-service insurance billing, typically by charging patients a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee (i.e., a retainer) that covers all or most primary care services including clinical, laboratory, and consultative services, and care coordination and comprehensive care management. Because a retainer does not include some services, DPC practices often suggest that patients acquire a high-deductible wraparound policy to cover emergencies.
Direct primary care benefits patients by providing substantial savings and a higher degree of access to, and time with, physicians. Taken from the American Academy of Family Physicians website: https://www.aafp.org/practice-management/payment/dpc.html
To download the full press release, click here: Word Document, PDF.
To enroll with Dr. Raquel Orlich, go to our Schedule page and start the enrollment process. Select Dr. Raquel Orlich as your “Preferred Provider” in that section. Once you complete the enrollment, you will be contacted on having an appointment with Dr. Orlich on or after July 1st, 2019. If you have a more immediate concern, Dr. Paul Thomas has availability at this time to accommodate urgent needs.