How Is DPC Different?
Direct Primary Care is a membership model that allows doctors to practice without interference from third party payors (insurance and government) by accepting payment ONLY from the patient, reducing cost and conflict of interest.
Why should I pay for a DPC membership when I have good insurance already?
80% of patients never reach their deductible. Your insurance is designed for emergency care. Why should you use your insurance with regular primary care?
Are there any alternatives to the insurance options that are out there that could work better with a DPC membership
"Health Sharing plans” work well with DPC
What Is Included In My Membership How Long Are Appointments?
All the medical care you need that I can provide is included! Up to 99 visits per month in person, by phone or other electronic means without additional cost. Home visits when appropriate are an additional $25, and vaccines are offered at my cost. A comprehensive physical (60-90 minutes) annually is strongly encouraged. Routine appointments are 30, 60, or 90 minutes long. Enhanced coordination of your care with specialists, advocacy on your behalf, and research into your specific medical conditions is all included—things that have fallen by the wayside in today’s assembly—line corporate medicine.
What kind of care can be done at the office?
Pap smears
Skin biopsies
Laceration repairs
Skin abscess drainage
Precancerous skin treatments (freeze therapy)
Wart removal
Ingrown toenail removal
Joint injections
Trigger point injections
Earwax cleaning
EKGs
Pulmonary Function Testing
Anticoagulation monitoring (“Coumadin testing”)
Strep Tests
Pregnancy Tests
Hearing Examinations
After Hours?
Enjoy the security of knowing you can always reach me! Members receive my personal contact information so you can contact me with emergencies after hours; I can advise you on how best to manage things, whether it is arranging an in-person evaluation, treating over the phone/video conference, or coordinating emergency department care. Many more things can be handled remotely (when I am not bound by insurance regulations), saving you time, energy and money.
Other Benefits?
PRIVACY! Your diagnosis and medical records will not be shared with anyone except with your permission. Currently, insurances can, and do, require my notes for “payment purposes”; and every insurance claim must have a diagnosis code included.
TIME! With only 500 patients in my practice (instead of 2000+) I have time for you! No more wasted time in the waiting room or on the phone. No time off work for simple things that could be handled by phone or email.
CLARITY OF INFORMATION! I can spend time ensuring you understand your condition, answering your questions, personally coordinating with your specialists, advocating for you. You just don’t get that anywhere else these days.
Do You Take My Insurance?
I don’t accept ANY insurance!! This allows me to keep overhead low, interference minimal and those savings are passed on to you. Your insurance will continue to function as always for things outside of my office—tests, hospitalizations, specialists, medications—though I may be able to save you even more money with lower cost options, If you have “Out of Network” benefits, you may ask for a “bill” for your visit to submit to your insurance company.
How About Medicare?
I have “opted out” of Medicare. You will need to sign a statement acknowledging that neither you nor I will submit bills for my services to Medicare. Medicare will continue to function normally for everything outside of my office. (Currently Medicare patients have NO out of network benefits—call your congressperson if this makes you mad!)
What Is My Commitment? Can I Cancel My Membership?
There is no contract or commitment, other than to give 30 days’ notice that you are changing physicians. Any pre-paid membership fees will be pro-rated and returned to you. Your registration fee is non-refundable. Re-enrollment will be considered on a case-by-case basis if space allows, and subject to a $100 re-enrollment fee.
Why Should I Join When I Already Pay for Insurance?
Your insurance company does not provide medical care, and insurance is not even access to medical care. Studies have shown that having a personal trusting relationship with a family doctor improves health outcomes and reduces medical errors, but that cannot occur in today’s era of 7 minute visits with a “provider”. By having an experienced physician who knows you and your circumstances, has time for you, and works for you, your health and bank account both can improve (especially if you have a high deductible insurance plan, as more companies are offering). By eliminating the per visit payment, you will be more willing to seek care early, preventing complications. Having direct access to your doctor to have your questions and concerns answered promptly is invaluable (and rarely found in big box clinics).