Old-country-doctor-style clinic opening

KEOSAUQUA ? Tim Blair MD PLLC Medical Clinic ? a new family practice clinic ? will open on April 18 in Keosauqua.

Tim Blair graduated with his medical degree in 1982 from the University of Iowa and is board certified by the American Academy of Family Practice. 

Blair is embracing a clinic model different than the usual health care setting. His practice will be a ?solo practice? as he will be the only employee with the exception of a chaperone when required.

According to Blair, today?s physicians spend less time with the patient and more time with paperwork required by administration and insurance companies. His goal is to bring back the old-country-doc whole-family-medicine model, while using modern technology.

He will be using an electronic medical records system that will allow patients to view their medical records, see test results and make appointments confidentially through the Internet. 

Blair will treat a complete range of health services for the family, including physical exams, well-child exams, Department of Transporation exams and general family practice care at the office.

In addition to seeing patients at his office, he also plans to bring back home visits allowing patients to be seen in the comfort and privacy of their home.

Blair plans to use a cash-only system. Patients will be expected to pay for services at the time of the visit. For those patients whose insurance allows them reimbursement for the visit, Blair will provide the necessary documentation for the patient to submit to their insurance company.  Family and group discounts will also be available.

Blair said he will even accept payment in chickens, but added his wife says they have to be plucked and cleaned ? cooked and ready to eat would be even better.

Blair?s clinic hours are not set in stone.

?My plan is to ask my patients what hours work best for them, so my office hours can meet the needs of my patients while allowing me time with my family,? he explained.

Home visits will be arranged outside of clinic hours. Walk-ins can be accepted, and Blair said he will make every effort to meet urgent appointment needs when they occur.

Because Blair is the only employee, telephone calls will likely be directed to a voicemail answering service. Callers should leave a name and phone number, and Blair will return calls between patients.

For information, call the clinic at 319-293-7771 or email doctim@docblairmd.com.