In the typical healthcare system , providers often have just seven minutes of direct interaction with patients due to insurance constraints . While the national average time spent with a provider is about 15 minutes , after administrative tasks are completed , only seven minutes remain for direct interaction .
Maggie knows firsthand how detrimental this can be ; she was once nearly misdiagnosed because of rushed consultations . Her experience deepened her commitment to spending more time with her patients , allowing her to catch details that might otherwise be overlooked .
At Island Life , Maggie overcomes these barriers by offering direct primary care . She provides cash pricing for services , saving patients significant amounts of money . One patient , who couldn ’ t afford insurance , was able to get essential tests for almost $ 3,000 less than expected — a moment that moved her to tears .
Opening her practice was not without challenges . Maggie had to step out of her comfort zone and gain confidence in her ability to run a business . " They don ’ t teach us the business side of healthcare in school ," she notes . However , this journey has helped her appreciate the roles her team members play .
Patient support was instrumental in Maggie ' s decision to open her practice . Many former patients encouraged her to start Island Life , seeking a more personal alternative to corporate healthcare .
A turning point came while driving home one week after a long week of work . Listening to Kenny Chesney ' s " Guitars and Tiki Bars ," Maggie realized she wanted something better for herself and her patients . This inspiration led to the creation of a practice that feels more like a peaceful retreat than a sterile doctor ’ s office .
At Island Life , patients are often surprised when Maggie herself answers the phone . " People are shocked when I pick up ," she laughs . But that ’ s the kind of care she believes in — one where patients feel like part of the family .
As she looks to the future , Maggie remains committed to offering personalized care to patients of all ages . The practice will soon accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare , and she is introducing the popular Rafa Naturals skincare line , making Island Life the only regional carrier besides Florida . Another unique aspect of her practice is its vaccine tolerance policy — families are welcome , whether or not their children are vaccinated .
By the end of her clinic day , Maggie returns home , grateful for the balance she ’ s achieved between work and family life . " You don ’ t have to be owned by a major corporation to love and care for your patients ," she says . It just takes a leap of faith and a commitment to doing things differently . Maggie is ready to welcome more patients into her Island Life family .
3817 Gulf Shores Parkway | Suite 9 | Gulf Shores , AL 36542 Email Pre-enrollment : Islandlifenp @ outlook . com
251.842.4287 | www . islandlifepm . com
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