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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve pulled some frequently asked questions and answered them below. If you have any other questions that we may have missed, contact us and we will do our best to help you.

Dog raising hand Image by Camylla Battani

Do you take insurance?

We would like to keep you, the patient, at the center of care.  The current trend in healthcare (with 10 minute visits and insurance limitations) is not going in a direction that supports how we want to deliver care.  By accepting a single monthly membership fee and contracting directly with you, we are able to reduce overhead and administrative burden and give you the longer appointment time and the attention that you deserve.  Because we work for you, not the insurance company, we get to use the latest evidence to decide together what is best.

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If you do have insurance, we can still see you.  Many patients value our membership for the quality of care we provide, for the improved access to the physician, and for the cost savings on lab and radiology testing.    Our membership is a perfect complement to your health insurance.  We encourage you to have insurance for the big, catastrophic life-events; however, similar to filling our cars with gas and changing the oil, insurance is not necessary for basic primary care.     

Although we do not bill insurance, we are able to submit your insurance information to cover lab or radiology testing if you prefer.  However, with the low cash pricing, many patients elect to pay cash.  

What if I have Medicare or Medicaid?

We have seen so many patients struggle to find a provider under these programs, and we would really like to be able to be your doctor. However, given current legislation, we cannot accept Medicaid patients, even if you pay out of pocket for our membership fee, as it can be argued that is breaking the law. (However, Medicaid covered patients can be members if an employer pays for their membership). 

As for Medicare, we treat it just like any other insurance - sometimes it’s less expensive to get labs, imaging, or medications through our office. Sometimes our doctors can send those orders to other pharmacies and facilities to have them covered by Medicare. We still require the monthly membership fee that Medicare does not cover. Medicare beneficiaries will be asked to sign a waiver that they understand this process, and that they will not submit the membership invoice to Medicare for reimbursement. 

Even though Medicare will not pay us for any services you receive in our practice, your Medicare benefits will otherwise remain unchanged.  You can continue to use Medicare for all other medical care received outside of our practice. Medicare will still cover most laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by our offices.

What if I need medical care while I am away from home?

The DPC model is set up to treat patients wherever they are located. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation over the phone or by video. We can help locate the nearest pharmacy and send an order for the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.  If you need to be seen in person we can help direct you to a clinic where you will be able to receive care. 

What if my physician is on vacation or out of town?

As a member you are never alone in making healthcare decisions. Even when out of town, I will usually still be available by phone for your urgent needs. If I am not available, I will always have another trusted health care provider available to assist you for any urgent matters or to be seen in the office.

Do you take walk-in appointments?

No.  You are welcome to walk in to learn more about us and sign up for membership, but we may not be able to see you immediately unless we happen to have no other patients waiting.  Refills should be called in ahead of time.  All appointments, blood draws, and injections need to be arranged ahead of time.  

Do you do pain management?

No.  We are family medicine trained and will help our established patients manage their pain, and try to decrease their reliance on dangerous medications, but we are not a good option for managing chronic opioids/narcotics.

What if I never need to go to the doctor?

Medical care has often become reactive–many people only seeing their doctor when they are sick. We believe health starts early & starts at home. We try to take a proactive, personalized approach to wellness–keeping you & the ones you love in the best health possible. And when things happen that we can’t handle (because they will!), we’ll be here for coordination & support. ​

How do I become a member?

Click on the link below!

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