Frequently Asked Questions
What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)? Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model where patients pay a flat, recurring membership fee (usually monthly) to a primary care physician in exchange for a defined set of primary care services. This model bypasses the insurance-based billing system, reducing administrative overhead and fostering a direct, personal relationship between the patient and their doctor.
How is DPC different from a traditional primary care practice? The main differences are cost structure and access. Patient Panel Size: DPC doctors typically have a smaller panel of patients (around 600-800) compared to traditional practices (2,500 or more), allowing for more personalized care and longer appointment times (30-60 minutes). Payment: DPC operates outside of the insurance system, using a simple monthly fee instead of complicated insurance billing, copays, and deductibles for primary care services. Access: Members often get enhanced access to their doctor via phone, text, email, or video chat, and same-day or next-day appointments are common.
Is DPC the same as concierge medicine? No, they are different. Both models charge a recurring fee for enhanced access, but concierge practices typically still bill your health insurance for each visit in addition to the fee. In contrast, DPC practices forgo insurance payments for in-office services entirely, with the membership fee covering all primary care services.
Do I still need health insurance if I join a DPC practice? Yes, it is highly recommended. The DPC membership covers about 85-90% of a person's routine healthcare needs, but it is not a substitute for health insurance. You will still need insurance or a high-deductible major medical plan for major health events like hospitalizations, surgeries, or specialty care.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for DPC fees? Starting in 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act allows HSA funds to be used for DPC memberships, up to $150/mo for individuals or up to $300/mo for families. You should always consult your tax advisor or the IRS regarding reimbursement eligibility.
Why cant you just bill my insurance? By avoiding the hassles of insurance companies, DPC's are able to operate more efficiently which allows us to prioritize providing care over jumping through unnecessary hoops in order to get insurance companies to pay for the services provided.
Why should I pay a membership fee when I have insurance? You are paying for an upgraded, patient-centric primary care experience that is not limited by the time constraints and barriers placed on traditional insurance-based practices. This allows us to spend more time with you, provide you direct access to your physician, and focus on your needs, not what the insurance company dictates.
What if I need medical attention while I'm traveling or away from home? One of the benefits of DPC is that you will have your doctor's direct contact information. Many issues can be managed with a phone call, text, or video chat. If you need in-person care, your doctor can help coordinate finding a nearby pharmacy or clinic and send over necessary information. If you are experiencing an emergency, you should go to the nearest emergency facility or call 911.
Will I benefit from DPC if I'm generally healthy and don't see a doctor often? Yes. DPC is also focused on proactive, preventative care and maintaining overall wellness. Having a personal physician who knows your health history and lifestyle can help you stay healthy and potentially avoid future major health issues.
Can I still get 340B discounted meds at Your Neighborhood Pharmacy? No, unfortunately the 340B discounts are linked to prescriptions sent from the Wayne County Hospital clinic system. We may be able to obtain some free samples but this is not a reliable option. Before transferring care to us, you may want to speak to your current PCP to find out if they would be willing to see you once a year for an annual medication renewal for expensive medications so that you may maintain your 340B discounts. Some PCPs are agreeable to this as long as they know you are getting regular follow-up elsewhere.
Can I enroll without signing up online? Yes, we can do in-person enrollment! You just need to call, text or email us. We can do your first visit at the time of enrollment as well. We do not have an on-site receptionist so we do not take unscheduled walk-in enrollments. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of the page.
What services are included in the membership fee? We offer unlimited visits, easy appointment booking, direct access to your physician via text/phone/email/video chat, discounts on labs and much more. Click on our DPC Benefits in the site menu above for more details.
How much does a DPC membership cost?
Can I cancel my membership anytime? Yes you may cancel your membership at any time by giving 30 days notice. Keep in mind we do charge a re-enrollment fee should you opt to return at a later date.
How much is the re-enrollment fee? If you have cancelled your membership then opt to re-enroll at a later date, the re-enrollment fee is six times the monthly membership fee or the total of missed months' fees, whichever is less. This may be waived in certain circumstances at physician discretion.
Can I get an appointment if I do not want to become a member? We offer a limited menu of visit types for non-members such as acute visits, college physicals and STD screens for a cost of $250 per visit, plus the cost of any labs that may be needed. We do not do chronic care visits for non-members. We also offer lab draws and specimen collection to non-members. Please click on the link in the menu at the top of the screen for Non-Member Services for additional details.
Direct Primary Care FAQ
Hormone Health & Wellness FAQ
What conditions do you commonly treat? We treat a range of women's health issues, including perimenopause/menopause symptoms, prenatal nutrition optimization, irregular periods, chronic fatigue, weight gain, chronic disease, hormone imbalance, autoimmune disease and gut health issues, among many others.
Are the virtual visits secure and private? Yes, we use HIPAA compliant secure video conferencing technology to ensure your personal health information is protected and confidential.
What technology do I need for a virtual appointment? You typically need a stable internet connection, a quiet and private space, and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam and microphone. You will need to allow access to your camera and microphone when prompted.
How long does an appointment take? Initial consultations are booked for an hour to allow for a thorough review of your medical history and symptoms but some do not take this long. Follow-up visits are generally shorter, around 20-30 minutes.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare? Make sure you have a stable internet connection, and a quiet private space. We use Zoom but this is browser based so there should be nothing for you to download in advance. You will received a link in your appointment confirmation email that you will click on at the time of the appointment. You will also receive forms and questionnaires that must be completed and returned at least 48 hours in advance of your appointment. This allows us adequate time for review, so we can offer the best possible recommendations. We will offer a one-time opportunity to reschedule if your forms are not received in advance.
Do you accept my health insurance? We do not accept insurance which means we are not bound by the limitations insurance carriers put in place. This allows us to spend extra time with you so we can fully understand and address all your concerns. You are more than welcome to use your insurance for any labs or prescriptions required.
Can I use my FSA/HSA for consultations? You will receive a receipt for Physician Services. You should consult your tax specialist or the IRS for advise on reimbursement eligibility.
Will I need lab testing? It is likely, as lab testing is often a key part of the evaluation to identify root causes of your symptoms. Your doctor will recommend specific tests based on your health needs.
Do you prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications? Yes we prescribe medications when indicated. We also make non-medication recommendations to help you feel your best as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.
Will you replace my current OB/GYN or primary care physician? No. Our virtual wellness care is designed to complement your existing care, not replace it. You should maintain your relationships with local providers for physical exams, emergency situations, and other in-person needs. If you are looking for primary care, we do have a direct primary care clinic located in Corydon, IA for in-person visits.
What states do you currently provide service to? Currently Iowa and Missouri, but we will soon be expanding to other states! Get in touch with us if you would like to see when your state will be available!
How are your plans structured? All of our Virtual Services plans start with a one time payment for a 3 month starter package. This allows us to evaluate your needs and get you off to a good start on our treatment plan. If you want to continue services beyond the first 3 months, we offer monthly maintenance memberships to support ongoing progress. All of our packages and memberships include unlimited visits so we can meet as frequently as needed to help you succeed in your goals. Memberships can be cancelled at any time.
How much does it cost?