* Direct Primary Care practice is patient focused, not problem focused.

• The current system comprised of rushed visits and brief encounters does not allow for the development of the doctor patient relationship. Time is required to get to know my patients and to understand their symptoms, context, fears, and concerns. This relationship is integral to providing exceptional care for the patient and I will have as much time as we need to address every problem you have every time.

* I work for the patient, and only the patient.

• The disruption of the doctor-patient relationship by insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid has ruined the practice of medicine. By removing this barrier to personalized care, I am restoring control of your healthcare decisions to you, the patient. We will work together to determine what is best for you.

* I can handle simple problems without an office visit.

• This probably sounds crazy, but it’s true. Currently, the only way a physician can get paid by health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid is to see patients in the office, which more often than not means a large chunk of your valuable time. Very often, the problem is simple and could be handled in a few minutes with direct communication. I won’t be forced to see a high number of patients to pay my overhead, and will therefore be available to answer you directly when you need me, anytime by phone, secure text, and secure email.

My practice will be limited to a smaller number of patients so I will have the flexibility to be available when you need me.

In depth, comprehensive, annual wellness evaluation and personalized yearly wellness plan, unlimited office, phone, email, or virtual visits.

In-office diagnostics and testing at no additional cost:

• ECG
• Urinalysis
• Pregnancy test
• Glucose (Glucometer)
• Rapid strep
• Spirometry
• Flu test
• Mono test

In-Office minor Surgeries/Procedures at no additional cost:

• Simple Laceration Repair (“stitches”)
• Suture Removal (remove stitches)
• I&D Abscesses (”lancing”)
• Joint Injections
• Ear Wax Removal
• Skin Lesion Removal (i.e. warts/skin tags)
• Skin Biopsy
• In-grown Toe Nail Removal
• Breathing treatment (nebulizer)
• Well-Woman Visits
• Management of Chronic Disease

We all benefit from services tailored to our needs, and your health care should be no different. I will provide you with the care you need to optimize your health and to reach your wellness goals.

I will be available to answer questions about small things you wouldn’t take half a day off to address at a traditional medical practice.

Let’s be honest, at some point you will be sick or injured and need acute care. When that happens, you will have immediate access to your doctor who knows your personal health history completely and will take your circumstances into account when developing a treatment plan.

I will do my best to keep you out of the ER. If I save you one simple ER visit, my yearly fee (possibly 2-3 years) will pay for itself.

We don’t believe insurance should be used for routine, expected medical care.  You don’t use your homeowner’s insurance to pay for lawn maintenance or to make minor repairs.  You don’t use your automotive insurance to fill the gas tank or replace the tires.  Why would you use health insurance for a cold, to treat diabetes or high blood pressure?  Health insurance should be there to cover unexpected or high ticket medical costs.  We will make the routine medical care cost less than you pay for your cell phone
 

Call, email, or text me. I will answer and take care of the problem.

No. I work directly for you, providing exceptional, personal, direct health care without the increasing constraints and limitations of the government and insurance companies.

I recommend you continue to have health insurance to cover health care costs beyond the services of my practice such as specialist care, hospitalization, radiological imaging, and labs other than those listed above.

The most cost-effective insurance to pair with direct primary care would be a high deductible/HSA plan. Check out this link on the topic of primary care without health insurance.

Yes. I am happy to accept all patients. However, the membership fee is not covered by Medicare/Medicaid, and you will need to sign a waiver stating that neither of us will be billing Medicare/Medicaid for my services. Other services I order such as lab, radiology, prescriptions, specialist care, and hospitalization may be billed to these programs.

Yes. I accept all patients, regardless of insurance status.

The terms Concierge medicine and Direct Primary Care are often used interchangeably. Both types of practices charge a monthly fee, but a Concierge practice will also bill health  insurance companies for office visits and in office tests and procedures while a DPC practice does not. Generally the monthly fee that a Concierge practice charges is much higher than the monthly DPC fee. With a DPC practice the doctor-patient relationship is just as the name suggests-direct, without interference from insurance companies or Medicare.

This issue is currently being addressed at a Federal level by the Primary Care Enhancement Act to help clarify the interpretation of current laws regarding DPC membership fees. IRS regulations, however, make it pretty clear that DPC services are covered medical expenses reimbursable through HSAs and FSAs. In the meantime, you should consult with your health plan administrator or accountant for guidance on these issues.

I will coordinate your referral to a specialist in your insurance network, and they will bill your insurance.

No. There are no pre-existing condition exclusions and there are no increases in the membership fee based upon prior health history.  In fact, those with chronic medical conditions are perfect for PremierCareMD.  The only exception is that PremierCare physicians do not prescribe chronic pain medications or chronic controlled substances.

The PremierCare program does not cover hospital care. This is why we suggest you look into a high deductible health plan (HDHP) for catastrophic coverage. Should you require admission to the hospital, our physicians will be glad to coordinate that for you.