- Patient Focused v. Corporate Managed. No more rushed encounters addressing one specific problem to drive volume. With direct primary care you get longer visits to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. The full context of your symptoms and health concerns are better appreciated. This extra time allows for more meaningful visits and superior care.
- Patient Driven v. Insurance Driven. I work for the patient and only the patient without any limitations, constraints or interference by health insurers. The decision-making control is restored to the patient.
- Patient Convenience v. Patient Inconvenience. Traditionally, the physician is paid for services rendered when the patient comes in for a visit. With subscription pricing, simple and routine follow-up visits can often be handled by direct communication without necessitating an office visit. No spending time waiting for an appointment, in the waiting room or to get your results. The care is in real-time and seamless.
- Transparent v. Non-Transparent. The cost is straightforward. No more guessing on co-pays, uncovered charges and after-the-visit bills.
- Patient first service. The patient experience is prioritized.
- Enhanced access. Increased 24/7 access with same-day or next-day appointments, with availability on weekends via direct communication.
- Technology-enabled Communication. Telephone trees and dropped messages are replaced with an omnichannel of secure emails, messaging, videoconferencing and telehealth, including a mobile phone app for convenient scheduling and contact with the provider.
- Privacy. No sharing medical information with third parties.
- Most of your primary care needs. Including:
- A comprehensive annual exam with routine labs, EKG and a personalized one-year wellness plan.
- Acute care and chronic disease management including unlimited visits and access.
- Care coordination with specialists.
- Routine point of care testing.
- Discounted drug prices on select generic medications available in office.
- Discounted office injections and select lab work without administration or phlebotomy charges.
No, insurance is not needed; however, direct primary care is NOT health insurance. Health insurance is recommended for medical needs not covered by membership. Such as:
- Hospitalizations
- Emergency Department services
- Specialist Care
- Surgery
- Home health, physical therapy and other like ancillary services
- Labs not included with annual physical.
- Radiology
Unless you have certain HMO that restrict your ability to go to an out-of-network provider labs, prescriptions, referrals, radiology and other orders will still be covered like they are now with your health insurance.
Medicare patients are welcome. Since Medicare is not billed a waiver will need to be signed.
To take advantage of cost savings of direct primary care, consider a high deductible, medical sharing or “wrap around” health policy. If needed, ask your employer to provide you one. We can help guide you.
Absolutely. It is great that you are healthy! At your annual check-up, I will help tailor a personal wellness and prevention plan to optimize your good health.
At some point you will need to see doctor, and when you do, you will have one you trust to see you. If you can save just one emergency department visit every few years, the membership pays for itself.
When you have a health concern that may not be big enough to require a visit, direct email or phone consult will be available to meet your needs.
Member newsletters and health blogs will keep you up-to-date on trending health topics, general wellness and disease management.
Monthly payments for most of the Next Level Primary Care services. No insurance claims are filed. It enables us to deliver a better health solution which is patient prioritized instead of the conventional health care which is prioritized for the health system at the expense of patient convenience, care and experience.
You will need to sign up for a 12-month contract. You may pay monthly, or annually with credit card or direct deposit like you would for a gym membership.
No catch. Direct primary care is legal.
Before the health insurance industry came along, the doctor was paid directly for care by the patient. This is essentially the same with subscription pricing upgraded to take advantage of modern technologies.
It is your health. Why not take back responsibility and get a better experience?