Christopher Flores

Background

About Christopher Flores

I have fond memories of watching "Marcus Welby"​ and "Star Trek"​ shows on TV growing up, and the dramatic representation of the medical profession on these programs inspired me to become a physician.Dr. Welby always seemed to have enough time to spend on each and every patient, and he made diagnoses not just through traditional medical techniques, but also via interactions with patients and families in the community and in social settings. Dr."Bones"​ McCoy had the advantage of advanced technology and diagnostic equipment, the famous tricorder device for example, but he maintained a humanistic bedside manner and he demonstrated emotional intelligence, just like Dr. Welby.I have tried to emulate the "high touch"​ and "high tech" combination throughout my career. Unfortunately, I found that insurance regulations and third-party payor requirements prevented me from excelling in either high touch or high tech.In 2005 my wife and I started a cash-only practice (no insurance and opted-out of Medicare).We have been very successful for the last 10 years, and disassociating myself from insurance and Medicare has liberated me to be able to spend lots of time with patients, permitted me to thoroughly read up and keep up to date with medical science and advances in the field, and given me freedom to be very active in my community (I volunteer with numerous non-profit organizations in the Coachella Valley). I have even been able to keep up my medical lectures and teaching!We leverage technology in the office to maximize efficiency and manage information effectively. Although I do not have a tricorder (yet!), we use electronic health records, patient portals, and remote monitoring in innovative ways to meet the needs of our patients. We have been providing telehealth and virtual office visits for 10 years! We have a very satisfying professional life and our patients are thrilled with the level of personal attention and service.Thank you Drs. Welby and McCoy!