Frequently asked Questions about Direct Family Medicine
Direct Primary Care
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Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model where you pay your doctor directly via a monthly subscription fee instead of using traditional insurance for visits. Instead of fee-for-service where you pay a copay at your visit and you are billed an office visit charge, direct primary care is a membership model which cuts down on wait times
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In a traditional office, the focus is often on volume—seeing as many patients as possible to meet insurance requirements. Here, our focus is on value. By charging a monthly fee, we limit our patient list so we can spend more time with you, offer same-day appointments, and focus on long-term wellness rather than just quick fixes.
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Yes, starting January 1, 2026, you can use Health Savings Account (HSA) funds for Direct Primary Care (DPC) memberships under new rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), allowing tax-free payment for fees up to $150/month (individual) or $300/month (family) without disqualifying HSA contributions, making DPC a qualified medical expense alongside High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP).
Insurance
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Yes. We recommend that all patients maintain a health insurance policy (or a cost-sharing plan) to cover emergencies, hospitalizations, specialist visits, and expensive imaging like MRIs. Our membership covers your primary care needs, but does not cover other services.
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No. insurance is not billed for services at this practice. This allows us to keep the cost of our services transparent to our patients. You can still use your health insurance for specialty care, pharmacy, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. You can use your insurance to cover labs and imaging that is ordered by this practice; however, we are able to negotiate directly with many of these companies' vendors to provide our members with exclusive pricing for these services.
Membership
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Generally, no. Because we do not bill insurance for our services, the monthly fee does not typically apply to your deductible. However, many patients find they can use their HSA or FSA funds to pay for memberships or associated lab costs. (We recommend checking with your tax professional or plan administrator).
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Yes. We believe the quality of our care should keep you here, not a restrictive contract. You can cancel at any time with [30 days'] notice, though there may be a re-enrollment fee if you choose to return later.
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In today’s world, where online searches can often lead to unnecessary worry, it's essential to have a reliable doctor who understands you. This is someone dedicated to taking the time to help you identify the best solutions for your health concerns.
Having access to your doctor through various communication methods—text, phone, email, video, and in-person visits—allows for proactive care. We can address potential issues before they escalate, reducing the likelihood of complications like an unexpected sinus infection and minimizing trips to the emergency department. Moreover, this means you won’t need to spend time in a waiting room.
We recognize that life can get hectic. For health issues that develop gradually over time, having a professional looking out for you can make a significant difference in preventing diseases years down the line, allowing you to concentrate on your current life.
Furthermore, our focus extends beyond merely treating illnesses; we prioritize wellness optimization. We can assist you in creating a balanced diet, establishing healthier habits, and achieving the best sleep possible. Our aim is to support you in reaching both your short-term and long-term health goals.
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We believe quality healthcare requires time, not just a prescription. Our monthly membership allows us to prioritize your long-term health over patient volume. Rather than quick, reactive visits, we dedicate sixty minutes to your initial consultation to tailor a strategy to your specific needs. By limiting our patient list, we ensure that when you need medical attention, you are seen promptly and treated comprehensively, with a heavy emphasis on proactive prevention.
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Your membership covers:
Extended Visits: No more rushing; we take the time needed to hear your concerns.
Wholesale Pricing: Access to labs at significantly reduced costs.
Direct Access: Reach your provider securely via: [Phone/Text/Email/App]
Preventative Coaching: Personalized plans for nutrition, sleep, weight loss, and stress management.
Procedures: Many in-office procedures are included in the membership fee, but supplies for procedures may be an additional charge that will be discussed prior to the procedure.
The Practice
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Because we maintain a smaller patient base, we are much more accessible. You will have a direct line for secure texting or a phone call to reach out with urgent concerns to your provider. Many issues can be handled via phone or text, saving you a costly and stressful trip to an Urgent Care or ER.
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We don't do prenatal/pregnancy care ( obstetrics) in our practice, but we can get you connected with fantastic OBGYNs and additional resources in our community.
Also, we don't prescribe chronic Schedule II medications like opioids, benzodiazepines, or amphetamines.
Your membership also doesn't cover things done outside our office, like hospitalizations/surgeries, or specialist visits.
