Why Primary Care Feels Broken—and How We Do It Differently

For many people, a visit to the doctor’s office leaves them feeling more frustrated than helped. Patients often walk out of appointments with unanswered questions, rushed conversations, and the sense that their doctor doesn’t really know them. These frustrations aren’t imagined—they are very real symptoms of a broken system.

Why These Problems Happen

Most traditional primary care doctors care deeply about their patients, but the structure of modern healthcare makes it incredibly difficult for them to practice in a way that truly serves people’s needs.

• Large patient panels: Many primary care doctors are responsible for 2,000–3,000 patients at once. With so many people to see, visits get shortened to 10–15 minutes to fit everyone in.

• Administrative burden: Endless checkboxes, insurance paperwork, and electronic record requirements steal precious time from problem-solving with patients.

• Limited appointment scope: Because of strict time limits, patients are often told they can only bring up one or two concerns at each visit.

• Quick referrals: Instead of working through a problem step-by-step, some doctors refer patients to a specialist right away just to keep the schedule moving.

• Slow responsiveness: Refills, letters for work or school, and other requests can take days because teams are stretched thin and office staff turnover is high.

• Access delays: It is common to wait a week—or longer—for an appointment, even for something urgent like a cough or respiratory illness.

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The Patient Experience Suffers

These system-wide pressures mean patients are left with very real frustrations:

• Appointments feel hurried and impersonal.

• There’s no time to build a real relationship, so your doctor may not fully understand your lifestyle, challenges, or goals.

• Communication outside the office is limited—you can’t just send a question or get advice. Help after hours is extremely limited. 

• Conversations about medications may skip over important context, like lifestyle strategies, potential side effects, or long-term impacts.

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How Mission Metabolic Health Is Different

At Mission Metabolic Health, we believe that primary care should be personal, responsive, and focused on getting to the root of health problems—not just prescribing quick fixes. Our approach is centered on time, access, and results:

• Smaller panels, more time: Dr. Cassleman cares for a limited number of patients at MMH, which means longer, unhurried visits that allow us to dive into the details of your health.

• Direct access: Patients have phone, email, and text access to Dr. Cassleman. Questions are answered quickly, and small issues can often be resolved without an office visit.

• Timely appointments: If you need to be seen, we make it happen—often the same day.

• Whole-person care: Instead of simply writing prescriptions, we explore how strength, mobility, emotional wellness, nutrition, and sleep health are impacting your overall well-being. Our in-house coaches and gym allow us to work side by side with you on lifestyle strategies that make a difference.

• Deeper connection: With more time and fewer patients, we get to know you and your goals. That relationship is the foundation of helping you live leaner, longer, and better.

We started Mission Metabolic Health because we saw firsthand the shortcomings of the traditional primary care model. Our mission is to bring primary care back to what it should be: a partnership that empowers you to take control of your health and thrive.