Why VIP Healthcare Is on the Rise and What You Can Do

Hello friends,

Some of you know that I do some consulting for a Longevity company here in the Philippines.

It’s cutting-edge work, and there’s one thing that really stands out.

These programs are expensive!

And lately I’ve been seeing more and more premium priced healthcare programs and packages.

To me, it raises a question of equity in healthcare delivery.

This week in building health 👇

Why is VIP Healthcare on the rise?

If I had to describe my experience with the healthcare system in one word— I would say it’s “Frustrating.”

You’re stuck waiting forever and ever.

You have to give the same information over and over again.

It seems like receptionists, nurses, and doctors aren’t coordinating with one another.

But for VIP Healthcare, it’s the opposite reality.

• All your data is coordinated and consolidated.

• It seamlessly integrates with different departments.

• Plus the waiting rooms are comfortable, even luxurious.

It’s a fantasy world where getting a health check-up is a relaxing experience.

What does the highest end of it look like?

For the ultra-wealthy, this goes as far as you can imagine.

There are a handful of ultra capable clinics in the world, so VIPs are flown in for their check ups.

To make sure they’re comfortable, it’s coordinated with a hotel stay (which is usually connected to the clinic).

Once there, you're treated to unhurried, comprehensive care including blood work, full chest imaging, and sports medicine consults, along with luxuries like massages and personal training.

The atmosphere is relaxed and appointments are easily rescheduled.

It's a perfectly orchestrated experience designed to make you feel special.

(Btw the demand is already so high that you could wait up to ten months for an appointment.)

And what about for the rest of us?

You don’t need me to tell you that regular healthcare is frustrating at best, and harmful at worst.

Most patients wait hours before they get any kind of care. Appointments are rushed, and doctors tend to be tired and overworked.

Also non-acute issues like “mental fog” or undiagnosable chest pains are dismissed as "subclinical" and not followed up, despite their potential to worsen.

Patients go from one specialist to another, paying multiple times and repeating their symptoms.

And when you do try to follow up, you have to give information all over again.

Providers lack coordination, leading to gaps in information sharing about medications and test results.

This approach wastes time and money and compromises care.

If you can’t change the system, what can you do?

My goal isn’t to get your frustrated or to make you feel helpless.

There are signs that new technology and better systems can distribute the type of super-personalized care to more and more people.

But that isn’t going to happen automatically.

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do:

Advocate for yourself

Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek second opinions, and push for thorough examinations if you feel something is wrong.

Prioritize prevention.

Many tests in executive physicals are preventative. Prioritize regular check-ups and screenings.

Coordinate Your Care

Practice keeping detailed records of your medical history, medications, and test results. Share this with all your healthcare providers for better coordination.

Invest in Your Health

Consider reallocating your budget to prioritize health and wellness. This could involve investing in better health insurance, seeing a nutritionist, or joining a gym.

→ Read more on this here

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Learn about the links between oral health and heart health.

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Until next time

Have a Healthy Weekend