Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Primary Care Membership
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Yes, all of our patients are automatically enrolled in a pharmacy benefits program. This program provides free generic medications through a mail-order pharmacy, as well as free urgent care medications from retail pharmacies. You can review the formulary to see the full list of available medications.
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Yes, as a member, you will enjoy direct access to your personal doctor, making it easy to manage your health. Once you sign up, you’ll receive access to the direct patient line and our secure messaging app, Spruce. You can send texts or secure messages for non-urgent questions, concerns, and medication refills or call the patient line for urgent issues, even after normal business hours.
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The Direct Primary Care (DPC) model is designed to give patients more time and care. By paying a flat monthly fee, you gain unlimited access to primary care services. This payment structure allows us to avoid insurance billing and maintain a smaller patient panel, enabling us to spend more time with each person.
With fewer patients, we ensure that your visits are not rushed and that you receive the attention you need. This means you can discuss all your health concerns in detail without feeling pressured for time.
Additionally, continuous care helps us build a strong relationship with you, making it easier to schedule same- or next-day appointments when necessary. This system reduces the stress of overbooked schedules and allows for more personalized care.
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In many cases, yes. The IRS considers payments to doctors for medical care a qualified medical expense, which means you can often use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for your membership fee. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific plan, so it’s a good idea to check with your HSA/FSA provider to verify if they cover Direct Primary Care memberships. You can contact them directly or review your plan’s guidelines to confirm.
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Most of our routine lab work is offered at discounted prices, with many tests costing less than $10. These affordable rates help make essential lab work more accessible to our patients.
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ou can still benefit from a Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership, even if you don’t visit the doctor frequently. One of the key advantages of DPC is that it offers comprehensive and accessible primary care beyond just treating illnesses. In addition to preventive care, such as routine check-ups and screenings, your membership provides unlimited access and direct communication with your doctor. This means you can reach out for advice, discuss health concerns, or get guidance on wellness and lifestyle even when you’re not dealing with a specific medical issue. Plus, if something unexpected does come up, you’ll have immediate access to your doctor without the delays and hassle of traditional practices.
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If you need specialized care beyond what we can provide, we’ll help refer you to a specialist. We can also assist with getting discounted lab work and imaging that may be ordered by the specialist. Additionally, medications for various chronic conditions are available for free through our mail-order pharmacy benefit, provided they are included in our formulary. If you have a PPO insurance plan, referrals from out-of-network doctors are typically accepted. However, with HMO plans, referrals must be requested by a physician within their network, which can be a limitation.
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I do not prescribe chronic opioid therapy for chronic pain, and I do not routinely prescribe long-term benzodiazepines. My approach to chronic pain management is a multi-modal regimen that is free of opiates. For anxiety management, I follow evidence-based practices to ensure safe and effective care. To avoid potential harm, I do not prescribe daily benzodiazepines for anxiety, nor do I taper chronic benzodiazepines. I recommend that patients needing this type of management be under the care of a psychiatrist.
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Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based healthcare model where patients pay a flat monthly fee for comprehensive primary care services. This model removes insurance companies from the doctor-patient relationship, allowing for more affordable, personalized, and accessible care. DPC is not health insurance.
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The membership fee covers all primary care services, including routine office visits, annual wellness exams, sick visits, chronic disease management, and most in-office procedures. Additional benefits include free generic medications through a mail-order pharmacy and discounted labs and imaging. You’ll also have access to your doctor via phone, text, or email for quick questions and follow-ups.
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We accept all patients, whether insured or uninsured, but we do not bill insurance directly. Our membership fee covers your visits, so no copays are required. You’re welcome to use your insurance for medications, imaging, labs, or specialty referrals if you wish.
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Yes, we accept Medicare patients through a Medicare opt-out agreement. In this setup, Medicare will not be billed. All visits are included in the monthly membership fee and do not require copays. Even though our doctor is opted out, she can still write prescriptions and order tests for you. This way, you receive personalized and comprehensive care without the restrictions of traditional Medicare billing.
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The monthly payment is important because it allows us to keep a smaller patient panel. This means shorter wait times, better access to your doctor, and longer, more relaxed appointments. With fewer patients, we can focus on giving you personalized care and building a long-term patient-doctor relationship.
In traditional practices, doctors often have to see a lot of patients quickly because they rely on insurance payments. This can lead to long wait times, overbooked schedules, and less time with your doctor—problems that most people want to avoid. By paying monthly, you ensure continuous care and maintain a direct, lasting relationship with your doctor, without the hassle of crowded waiting rooms or rushed visits.
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We require a 30-day notice if you wish to cancel your membership, to comply with state laws and ensure a smooth transition in your care. If your membership is allowed to lapse or is terminated, re-enrollment will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to a $150 re-enrollment fee. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or need assistance with the cancellation process.
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No, we do not offer one-month memberships in our Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. We require a minimum 3-month commitment to foster a continuous and longstanding relationship with your doctor, who specializes in building these relationships and providing continuous care. This approach allows for better communication and personalized attention to your health needs. A longer membership enables us to understand your health concerns more deeply and provide more effective support.
If you’re only interested in a single visit and do not desire a long-term care relationship, you can explore our non-member services, which may better suit your needs.
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Ready to become a member? Click the sign up button to become a patient and schedule your initial visit.
Ready to sign up for a membership?
Click one of the buttons below to sign up and schedule your initial visit: