HEALTH CARE THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
THE PRACTICe
After many years of practicing medicine, I found the environment of insurance/corporate driven medicine increasingly more difficult to provide personalized care for my patients. I simply was not able to get to know my patients and determine the best approach for their medical care in a 15 minute window.
In my direct primary care practice, I am able to provide medical care the way it was meant to be. I can be available to my patients when they need me and spend as much time as they need to feel comfortable and trust the care I provide.
about
WHAT IS
DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?
Direct Primary Care is an innovative, affordable healthcare model focusing on the physician-patient relationship. The practitioners don’t accept insurance. Instead, there is a monthly subscription or membership fee. There are no fees for visits.
Most services are included without additional fees.
Because Dr. Dater sees fewer patients than doctors meeting corporate quotas, when needed you may be seen the same day.
You will have answers to your medical questions the same day.
You will always be seen by Dr. Dater, not by other practitioners.
Useful links
Maine Direct Primary Care: Your 2023 Guide - HSA for America
SERVICES
PRIMARY CARE
Comprehensive health care to adults 18 years and older
*some fees may apply to cover time, supplies, or equipment
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Routine health maintenance exams/physicals
Women’s health
Recommendations of age-appropriate screening tests and vaccines
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Treatment for infections
Treatment for minor trauma and accidents
Wound care*
Abscess drainage
Nebulizer treatments
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Skin biopsies*
Removal of skin tags, warts, benign skin lesions*
Joint injections*
EKGs
Holter monitoring *
Ear lavage
IUD insertion/removal
Nexplanon placement and removal
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Detailed explanations of test result
Answering your medical question
After hour medical advice
House calls are possible pending physician availability and patient necessity (additional charges may apply)*
TeleHealth visits
Phone or email consultation
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Many in-house tests at low/no cost (examples strep test, pregnancy test, flu test)
There is a $5 draw fee
Labs sent out for discounted, very affordable pricing (price list available in the office
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Many generic medications available in house at low, affordable cost
Prescriptions to be filled at outside facilities at patient’s expense (these are often covered by insurance)
Chronic opiates will not be prescribed to new patients
Weight Management
Comprehensive weight management services
This includes adding to primary care services or new just for weight management
Comprehensive medical history
Lab evaluation of barriers to weight loss
Biometric evaluation at in office visits
Individually developed diet plans
Tailored advice for physical activity/exercise
Evaluation for bariatric/surgical options
Assessment of medication options as part of the treatment plan
Scheduled follow up (in office, phone, telehealth) visits starting weekly if needed
prices
COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE
Initial Consultation and clerical fees: $75
Monthly membership subscription fee:
Age 18-64: $90
Age > 65 — $110
DISCOUNTS*
Family plan-$5 per month discount for each family member*
Automatic payment/direct bank transfer $5 discount per month
6-month plans available for part-time Maine residents
*Adult children claimed as dependents
Weight Management
Initial consultation and Clerical fees $100
Monthly membership fee $150 per month for the first 4 months then $80 per month
Weight Management in combination with Primary care
Initial consultation fee waived
$40 a month (in addition to monthly membership fee)
“The practice of medicine is an art, not a trade; a calling, not a business; a calling in which your heart will be exercised equally with your head.”
— Sir William Osler
MEET
DR. SUZANNE DATER
I've always loved medicine. I began my medical journey as a registered nurse and quickly realized I wanted to offer more. I went to medical school and became board-certified in internal medicine, and I have been practicing ever since — over 23 years now.
Over the last 5 years, I have become interested in the health benefits of weight management. I became board-certified in obesity medicine and now practice both internal medicine and obesity medicine.
I moved to Bridgton, Maine, after medical school, my residency, and a chief resident year at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. After twelve years in Bridgton, I moved my practice to InterMed in Portland. I’m excited to come home to Bridgton to start my new direct primary care practice. I will provide care for adults 18 years and older, with an emphasis on preventive medicine as well as managing acute and complex medical issues.
When not caring for patients, I enjoy relaxing and renovating my 150-year-old farmhouse. I also enjoy gardening and being outside with my chickens and dogs. I’m proud of my two children, who have now graduated from college and have successful careers of their own.
my background
University of Mississippi School of Nursing, BSN, 1983-1987
Nursing in Intensive Care Units at Baptist Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital, 1987-1992
University of Mississippi Medical Center- Medical degree, 1992-1996
University of Mississippi Medical Center residency in Internal Medicine, 1996-1999
University of Mississippi Medical Center chief resident in Internal Medicine, 1999-2000
Bridgton Internal Medicine, Bridgton Hospitalist, 2000-2012
InterMed, Internist 2012-2023
American Board of Internal Medicine, board certified since 2000
American Board of Obesity Medicine, board certified since 2019
Member of American College of physicians
Member of New England Direct Primary Care Alliance
blog
FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
CONTACT US
Your care is important to us!
Contact us if you have more questions about Direct Primary Care and want to meet Dr. Dater.
We are conveniently opened Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and available for in-person or virtual care – you choose what best fits your lifestyle!