I'm in shock reading the other reviews, and feel the need to respond. I only began seeing Dr. Holthouse after the practice changed to a membership structure. I wasn't around for the transition, so perhaps that awkwardness accounts for some of the reviews.
Dr. Holthouse and his colleague, Dr. Burke, practice Functional or Integrative Medicine. It's a holistic approach to treatment in the true sense of the word. It encompasses all standard, allopathic methods that every other primary care doctor uses. It also includes other modalities and approaches to diagnosis and treatment that most physicians know nothing about. Most important, rather than just treating symptoms that often disguise underlying problems, functional medicine seeks causality when treating a patient. So each symptom is looked at as it relates to everything else, and the doctor steps back behind each symptom to find real, underlying causes. It is the most effective method of treatment I have ever experienced.
I went to the office with a variety of symptoms and complaints, and over the course of a year, I have felt that I have real partners in trying to address and help my issues. We aren't completely there yet, but we have identified several issues that were missed by other doctors. Why? Because most doctors don't take the time and do the extremely thorough testing and exams that Dr. Holthouse does. I have spent 45 minutes to an hour with him at a regular appointment, just because I needed that much time and effort. I also have the ongoing, often weekly support of a health coach to help me establish goals, track progress and stay in touch between visits.
I have had tests that no other primary care doctor has ordered, and those tests have identified issues that we have taken positive steps to correct.
Because insurance doesn't cover many of these tests, and because Dr. Holthouse and the staff take so much care with their patients, the membership fee makes it possible for them to practice medicine with the care and time investment that delivers real results. It is expensive, and wouldn't be possible for everyone to afford. Sometimes I wonder if it will continue to be possible for me. But I hope it will, and I'll do everything I can to keep this in the budget, because I have never before had such excellent medical care.
I also know from speaking to Dr. Holthouse that the membership structure is one approach they decided to try, because they needed to find a way to make a sustainable business out of the kind of medicine they want to practice: effective, comprehensive medicine that your insurance company is not going to come close to covering in its entirety. Their time and expertise IS worth something, and they can't be expected to give 10 times the service for the tiny payments insurance companies make after the average doctor spends 2 minutes with you.
As to rudeness, I can only assume that whoever was rude when these reviews were written is now gone, because I have never been treated with anything but kindness, courtesy and respect by anyone at this practice.
In all, yes, Dr. Holthouse's practice is expensive, and unconventional in its approach. But Dr. Holthouse and the staff are dedicated, knowledgeable, kind, compassionate and highly effective at what they do. It really comes down to how much you can afford to pay for your healthcare and how much you value what they have to offer. I value it a lot, and am willing to do all I can to continue to enjoy its benefits. read more