The terms are often mistakenly used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Both DPC and concierge practices charge a periodic fee. However, under the concierge model, this fee only gets you access, but doesn't typically cover any of your care. Instead a concierge practice still bills insurance for your visits. Under DPC, your visits and other care are included in your fee, plus you're provided with other incredible benefits including wholesale pricing for labs,   discounted prescription prices, direct digital communication with your doctor.

Fortunately, because of the individualized care, Direct Primary Care patients have 40% fewer ER visits and 26% lower hospitalizations rates, compared to traditional practices. If you do need to be hospitalized, the location is your choice. I will then work with your hospitalist as well as any specialist you would need to see to optimize your care.

Referrals to specialists would be handled just as they have been with your traditional health care. 

Of course! Physician access is one of the greatest benefits of the direct primary care model. Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call, text, or email your physician when needed.

No, fortunately for both of us. Perhaps the most critical distinction in direct primary care is a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness applies to the  business model as well.  

Here’s an analogy:  You might use your auto insurance to fix a smashed fender or other major damages. But you'd never use it to get an oil change (or pay for gas!). For some reason, health insurance is currently being used for the equivalent of oil changes for humans - routine physicals, office visits, simple blood tests, and minor procedures. 

Yes, we take care of any patient regardless of your insurance status. Since we work completely outside of the insurance system, none of the billing for care here is eligible for insurance reimbursement. However, insurance coverage is still important in the event of a major health issue, hospitalization, surgery, etc.

If you experience a major health issue, you will still need insurance to help cover it. Patients often have a major medical plan with a high-deductible and health savings account to cover this. 

Some HMO insurance plans have conflicts with DPC practices. It is always best to check with your individual insurance plan..

Yes. You need only sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Even though Medicare will not pay us for any services you receive in our practice, your Medicare benefits will otherwise remain unchanged and can continue to be used for all other medical care received outside of our practice. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by our offices

Some HMO advantage plans have conflicts with DPC practices. It is always best to check with your individual insurance plan.

That’s great! My  goal is to keep members  healthy with preventive care.  

With DPC, you can contact me with medical questions or concerns that you would not have considered doing with traditional medical plans. Talking to me can also save you time and money and prevent unneeded trips to urgent care facilities or emergency rooms.

Some HMO advantage plans have conflicts with DPC practices. It is always best to check with your individual insurance plan.

Of course, you can contact us.