Why the Direct Patient Care model?
I have been in practice for over 30 years and have witnessed the change in the doctor - patient relationship that has occurred. What used to work well for the patients now works well for the insurance companies and larger players in the health care market.
I am committed to restoring the doctor-patient relationship where shared decision making occurs with the same doctor each time in a familiar, non-pressured setting.
My job is to work with you to manage your health, using new technologies and old time listening to give you timely, quality health care.
The best way I know to do this is to offer this subscription model, where for the annual fee and at most a small co pay; all services provided in the office area available to you at no additional cost.
Your care is not tied to a series of office visits, but a relationship fluid over time that you can access when you need it, through a variety of ways that work for you.
What is covered in this model?
The annual fee covers almost all services that I provide in the office at little or no cost. This includes physical exam, phone consultations, manipulative therapy, and lesion removals to name a few.
The things outside the office such as lab tests, x-rays, specialty appointments or hospital visits are determined by your insurance company and work way it always has.
As I write this I am collaborating with some like-minded individuals/companies to provide additional benefits that will enhance your care experience.
What if I choose not to sign up can I still receive care here?
At this point there is an option for “pay as you go” care. The annual enrollment fee is $149 and a list of the prices for services is available on request. All services performed will have a cost associated with them. Please understand that payment for services must occur at the date you receive them.
None of the enhanced benefits of the subscription practice are part of this plan.
Do I need insurance?
The DPC model is not an insurance plan. Although almost all of the services in the office are included in the annual fee, all other tests, referrals, procedures done outside the office will require use of your insurance. This is also true for medications.
If your insurance card has my name on it, you may have a managed care product. I will not be a participating provider and as such cannot continue to refer or order tests for you. Some plans will allow you to change mid-year to a point of service product, many will not. Please come and talk to me about this and I can further discuss you options to stay.
What about your hours and availability?
I will be in the office 5 days a week…. Monday to Friday, the actual hours will vary according to the needs of the practice. My goal is to make sure those who need care will have the ability to get it.
If I am away, I am almost always reachable, if not I will have local coverage available should that be required.
