The world of medicine is quite vast and that does not just include what we know about modern science. Indeed, “medicine” also encapsulates everything that we know about ancient healing techniques most often attributed to Eastern medicine. This includes things like energy healing and naturopathy, herbalism, and massage.

Traditional Medical Model vs New Medical Model

What we understand about “traditional medicine” in the West, though, is that medicine is used to treat symptoms in hopes of preventing the further onset of disease. Typically, you have a primary physician and then you might have other specialists that you see when it is necessary. For example, you might see your physician, who then recommends you schedule an appointment with another neurologist or a gastroenterologist for your nerve or digestion problems, respectively.

This model is highly attractive to primary care physicians, of course, because it allows them to see as many patients as possible on any given day (because they make far less money than specialists). But it can be tedious and time-consuming and can ultimately cost the patient more money from unnecessary visits.

Thus, the new medical model attempts to develop more of a health care team where you, as the patient, are more like the coach. Using your electronic health records to better track your health, your health care team can better strategize your care; indeed, you have a team of individuals working for you to determine the best course of care. They coordinate care between hospitals, nursing facilities, specialty-care providers, and even home services to provide the most effective care possible.

One of the biggest benefits of the new model is that it reduce the number and frequency of emergency and urgent care visits for patients who might need more specialized care (but aren’t getting it).