Submitted
Over the last few years, the health care industry has become more complicated and difficult to navigate. It has become tough for many to locate a physician who is accepting new patients, let alone one who is a good match with regard to one’s beliefs and approach to caring for one’s own health.
In light of these concerns, physicians have begun seeking new ways to offer treatment plans that better meet patients’ needs.
Sue Pallekonda, MD is providing a new and transformative health care model for family practice in Hamilton County that not only equips patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health but also provides an intimate forum where they can share their desires and concerns about their health. Through Agape Wellness Center’s direct primary care model (DPC), patients have easy access to Dr. Sue, who focuses on caring for the whole person, including body, soul, and spirit.
As part of Dr. Sue’s practice, adult patients 19 years and older pay a monthly membership fee of $100 and an additional $25 per month for each dependent under 25 years, with a maximum family fee of $300 per month regardless of the number of family members. This membership provides all the visits patients would need via same or next-day appointments, which are not limited to a 15-minute time slot. Along with this, patients receive savings on imaging studies and most lab tests. Procedures performed in the office would be an additional but reasonable cost for patients above the membership fee.
Agape Wellness Center delivers the same types of treatment you would receive from a family practice office. Examples of treatment could include prescribing medications, ordering tests, performing injections, EKGs, wellness physicals, minor skin procedures, and referrals to specialists when necessary.
The difference members will experience is in Dr. Sue’s approach to health and wellness, which will allow them to develop a long-term relationship of trust with her, with time purposefully set aside for patient education and discussion as she focuses on each individual holistically, with an emphasis on more than symptoms.
“My desire is to empower my patients to own their health care, ask questions, and understand how decisions affect their health moving forward,” Dr. Sue said. “I believe that this way I can achieve the best outcomes for my patients.”
Her passion is rooted in 29-plus years of experience providing care across varied patient groups and in different countries. She graduated from medical school in India in 1995 and worked as an intern there for one year before moving to Malaysia where she practiced medicine for almost two years. Dr. Sue then came to the U.S. and graduated from the Community East Family Medicine Residency Program in 2003. She subsequently worked for Community Health Network as a family physician until 2013 when she became a clinical preceptor for Community’s residency program until 2021. Additionally, she worked as a family practitioner with OurHealth/Marathon Health from 2013 until July 2023, when she answered the Lord’s call to work at Agape Wellness Center.
Agape Wellness Center is based on the DPC model, which is a new concept to some. It is likely a good fit for many patients but will not work for everyone.
“Each individual/family is different, and I’m happy to talk with potential members about situations that lend themselves to a best fit,” Dr. Sue said. “It’s also important to note that our model is not a replacement for health insurance.”
To learn more about how Agape’s treatment plan works, feel free to call (317) 794-2432 and talk with Dr. Sue. You may also call to schedule a one-hour appointment for a wellness/physical exam for $100. With it, you will receive a full exam, have an opportunity to discuss your health care needs and then make an informed decision about whether to continue with Agape. If the practice is a good fit for you, the $100 payment will apply toward the first month’s membership fee. If you don’t wish to continue with the practice, Dr. Sue will still share test results and recommendations for next steps.
You can learn more by visiting AgapeWellnessCenter.org or by following Agape Wellness Center Indiana on Facebook.