Why Strada? - Strada Healthcare

Our Story

Strada Healthcare was founded in 2016 by Dr. Joel Bessmer, a visionary in primary care who saw two critical issues affecting the healthcare industry: rushed appointments and physician burnout. Traditional primary care appointments often last seven minutes or less, leaving patients feeling overlooked and preventing doctors from providing in-depth care. Additionally, many doctors experience burnout because the current healthcare system often prioritizes patient volume and insurance requirements over quality care.

Dr. Bessmer believes the existing healthcare model incentivizes treating illness over promoting wellness. As he often says, we live in a “sick healthcare system,” where doctors are only compensated when patients are sick. Strada was created to counter this issue by removing the insurance-based constraints. Our care model provides patients with unlimited access to their primary care providers without worrying about co-pays or deductibles, encouraging stronger, more proactive doctor-patient relationships.

At Strada, we envision a future where healthcare is built on direct relationships between patients and primary care providers, with health insurance reserved for significant, unexpected health events. We believe shifting away from insurance dependence in primary care can place doctors and patients on the same side of the table, working together for better health and fewer high-cost interventions.

Our Guiding Principles

Doctor-Patient Relationship: At the heart of our model is a commitment to nurturing relationships between doctors and patients. Quality care begins with trust and understanding.

Preventive Healthcare: We focus on preventing illness, not just treating it, because staying healthy is key to a better quality of life.

Affordable Access: Strada offers transparent, affordable healthcare solutions that eliminate the financial barriers to high-quality care.

 

What Makes Us Different

Unlike many healthcare providers, Strada operates independently from large hospital systems. Traditional healthcare often relies on primary care providers to refer patients to high-cost centers, incentivizing volume over value. In contrast, Strada’s model emphasizes keeping patients out of high-cost settings and focusing on wellness. With fewer constraints, our doctors can address a broader range of health concerns, helping patients avoid unnecessary visits to urgent care or specialists. This approach saves money for both patients and health plans, offering significant benefits for employers who partner with us.

Strada is also committed to helping employers manage healthcare costs through primary care solutions that reduce costly downstream healthcare utilization. The Milliman study illustrates this advantage, showing that employers who adopt direct primary care (DPC) models experience lower emergency room visits, reduced hospital admissions, and overall better patient outcomes​

 

Our Impact

Strada’s innovative DPC model allows us to create meaningful impacts on healthcare costs and employee well-being. According to a Milliman study, DPC enrollment leads to substantial reductions in emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and overall healthcare utilization, particularly for self-funded employer plans. These findings underscore the benefits of DPC, not just for individual health but also as a cost-saving solution for employers.

 

Get to Know Us

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC), and how is it different from traditional healthcare?

DPC is a membership-based model where patients pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited primary care services, bypassing the need for insurance claims. This lets doctors spend more time with patients, focusing on preventive care without co-pays or surprise bills.

What does a Strada membership cover?

A Strada membership includes unlimited visits, same-day or next-day appointments, virtual care options, and extended visits with your provider. We offer several plan options to fit your needs, including in-person Direct Primary Care and a simple virtual-only plan. [Link to Plans Page] to explore our membership options and enroll.

 

Will I still need insurance if I have a Strada membership?

We recommend keeping a high-deductible insurance plan for major medical emergencies, but Strada covers your primary care needs. This model is designed to let you use insurance for rare, high-cost incidents and use Strada for everyday health care.

 

What if I need to see a specialist or get additional testing?

Your Strada doctor can coordinate referrals and help you find cost-effective options for specialized care. We focus on preventive care to reduce the need for frequent specialist visits, but we’re here to guide you when they’re necessary.

 

How quickly can I see my doctor, and how much time will they spend with me?

Strada’s model allows for more flexible scheduling and longer appointments. With smaller patient panels, our doctors can spend as much time as needed to address your concerns, so you never feel rushed.

 

How can Direct Primary Care reduce healthcare costs for my business?

DPC reduces overall healthcare costs by focusing on prevention and lowering the need for emergency room visits, hospital stays, and specialist referrals. The Milliman study shows that DPC can reduce these high-cost services, resulting in savings for employer-sponsored plans.

 

What services does Strada provide for employers?

Strada offers a full range of services tailored to employers, including on-site or near-site clinics, mental health counseling, virtual care, occupational health services, and biometric wellness screenings. These services give employees convenient, accessible care that fits into their workday.

 

Does Strada work with insurance companies?

While our primary care model does not involve filing insurance claims, Strada does work with insurance when necessary. For example, we work with workers’ compensation insurance in our occupational health clinic, and we partner with large self-funded employer groups to complement their existing health plans. This approach allows us to offer flexibility while still aligning with our core mission of making healthcare accessible and straightforward.

How can Strada improve employee well-being and productivity?

When employees have easy access to primary care, they’re more likely to address health issues before they escalate. This leads to healthier employees, fewer sick days, and a workforce that feels valued by its employer.

 

Is there a long-term commitment required to partner with Strada?

We understand that flexibility is essential for businesses. Our partnership agreements are designed to meet your needs, allowing you to evaluate how DPC impacts your employees’ health and your healthcare expenses.

What kind of feedback have other businesses shared about Strada’s services?

Our employer partners report improvements in employee morale, reduced turnover, and a significant reduction in healthcare-related expenses. Employees appreciate the access to a doctor who truly knows them and spends time addressing their concerns.