Frequently Asked Questions
What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based healthcare model where patients pay a monthly or annual fee in exchange for comprehensive primary care services. This includes all office visits, preventive care, and access to discounted labs and medications.
How is DPC different from traditional insurance-based healthcare?
Unlike traditional insurance-based healthcare, DPC practices do not accept insurance for primary care services. Instead, patients pay a flat fee directly to the practice, eliminating the need for copays, deductibles, and insurance claims. This allows for longer appointment times, unhurried visits, and a stronger doctor-patient relationship.
What services are included in my membership?
Your membership includes unlimited office visits, comprehensive preventive care, management of chronic conditions, minor procedures, and access to telemedicine services. Additionally, we offer discounted or wholesale pricing on labs, imaging, and medications.
How do I pay for my membership?
Your membership fees are conveniently billed monthly to your designated checking account or credit card. You have the flexibility to utilize your Health Savings Account (HSA) or any preferred credit card or checking account. Plus, we provide a 5% discount for annual payments. With automatic billing, you'll never have to fret over unpaid bills or track insurance claims. Rest assured, your membership fee is handled seamlessly, eliminating any concerns about outstanding balances or insurance processing.
Do I still need health insurance with a my membership?
While DPC provides comprehensive primary care services, it does not replace the need for health insurance. We recommend maintaining a high-deductible health insurance plan or catastrophic coverage to protect against unforeseen medical expenses such as hospitalizations, surgeries, or specialist consultations.
How do I enroll in your practice?
Enrolling in our DPC practice is easy! Simply visit our website to sign up for membership, or contact our office for assistance. Once enrolled, you'll have immediate access to our pediatric services and can schedule your child's first appointment at your convenience.
Can I cancel my membership at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time with no long-term commitments or cancellation fees. We understand that circumstances may change, and we want you to feel comfortable with your healthcare decisions. Just let us know, and we'll assist you with the cancellation process.
Is this practice right for my family?
DPC is an excellent choice for families seeking personalized, accessible, and affordable healthcare. If you value longer appointment times, enhanced doctor-patient relationships, and comprehensive primary care services for your children, DPC may be the perfect fit for your family's healthcare needs.
Why is the practice direct pay only?
In contrast to insurance-based practices that often necessitate large patient volumes to sustain operations, the direct pay model enables Dr. André to deliver concierge-level care to a more intimate patient base. By joining, your children receive unparalleled personalized care of the highest quality.
Is it easy to schedule an appointment?
Absolutely! You have the convenience of booking appointments online 24/7. No more waiting until office hours and hoping for availability; simply schedule your appointment online whenever it suits you. Rest assured, your appointment time is secured as soon as you book it online. With our small practice panel, we can easily accommodate same-day, next-day, and urgent visits to ensure your needs are met promptly.
What if my child gets sick on vacation?
Feel free to reach out to us via phone call or text, just as you normally would – yet another perk of being a member! Once we assess the most suitable course of action for your child's care, we can promptly arrange a prescription, identify the closest urgent care or emergency room, and communicate your child's medical history with a local provider, if needed.
Do you offer scholarship or financial aid?
Certainly. We offer top-tier healthcare that remains accessible to everyone. We dedicate a minimum of 20% of our services to meet the needs of our community, including individuals requiring financial support for their monthly membership dues. For further information and to determine if your family meets the criteria, please contact us.
What is not covered in the membership?
The majority of everyday medical expenses, typically considered out-of-pocket in traditional practices, are fully covered by your monthly membership fee. In order to maintain fairness to our patients, we only charge for services that are likely to be utilized, rather than imposing charges on all patients. Laboratory tests: We collaborate with local lab companies to secure the most competitive rates for our members. If you have insurance, the lab will bill your insurance, similar to the process at a conventional office. Procedures, Imaging, and Therapy are not included but we do try to get you the best price available if not going through insurance.
Is DPC suitable for children?
Yes, DPC is an excellent option for pediatric care. Our practice focuses on providing personalized, family-centered care for children of all ages. With longer appointment times and enhanced access to your pediatrician, DPC allows for more thorough assessments, preventive care, and proactive management of your child's health.
Do you offer services to non-members?
We offer a limited number of single-visit options, which encompass second opinions, consultations on sleep and parenting, as well as urgent care visits for nonmembers, subject to availability.
Additionally, non-members are welcome to schedule lifestyle medicine consultations with us. They may also participate in group visits and educational programs for a fee. Please note that availability may vary.
I’m ready to join! How do I enroll?
To begin enrollment, click here to set up a call.
If you're uncertain and wish to speak with our team, please fill out the form on the contact page. We'll reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation to determine if direct care aligns with your family's needs.
To ensure that I can dedicate adequate time and attention to each patient, I maintain a limited practice size. Occasionally, we may have a waitlist to ensure that all our members receive the care they require before accepting new families.