Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by getting rid of the red tape by which most other traditional practices are restricted.

The terms are often used interchangeably and essentially refer to the same principles. Typically, however, Direct Primary Care charges lower membership fees and concierge practices still bill insurance. Like concierge medicine, Direct Primary Care is a practice model focused on putting the patient first. That means treating them when they need it, never rushing patients through appointments, and being proactive with health care treatment plans. The doctor-patient relationship is just as the name suggests – direct. Direct Primary Care clinics don’t accept insurance, rather they choose to work directly with the patient, providing wholesale labs, deeply discounted prescription prices, and other costs savings along the way.

We have cut the red tape of bureaucracy. The restrictions that typically leave physicians in a traditional healthcare setting buried in paperwork are lifted through Direct Care, allowing us to spend our time where it really counts: with patients. In refusing to recognize any interference with the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, we have returned the practice of medicine to its root values of clinical excellence for and compassionate knowledge of every patient. In every aspect of our care, we promise accessibility, convenience, and affordability.

Of course. We might argue that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health, to the enhancements of your daily experience that only physical well-being can bring. We’re here for your reactive needs. But proactive healthcare is important, and we’re here for that, too.

At Access Family Medicine, we have the gift of time. Even better? We get to give the gift of time. Large amounts of precious, irretrievable time given to you as you wish. Every visit, for whatever reason, will be easygoing in its absolute thoroughness, relaxed in answering your questions and addressing the need of the moment. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive, intimate knowledge of your health, invaluable understanding available in no other regimen of care.

No. Happily, no. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. While the coverage of an insurance company might apply to the removal of an appendix, we see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your primary health care. We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payers. Furthermore, our DPC arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.

Yes. We recommend our patients continue a major-medical plan with a high deductible (keeping monthly premiums low) and possibly a health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary.

 Another great option for some are the so-called health share plans as an alternative to traditional insurance. We’re happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.

Yes. Many of our Medicare patients appreciate the personal attention of their own physician, the convenience of DPC, and often save money through discounts on prescriptions and labs.

You need only sign a waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by our offices.

Please confer with your tax consultant to clarify any tax consequences in your particular circumstances.

In providing superb care with unprecedented sorts of access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay as well as work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.

Certainly! Dr. Powell has 25 years of experience caring for patients of all ages, from newborns to our valued elders.  Treating families together is part of the reason she decided to practice as a family doctor.

By all means, yes! Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call or text your physicians any day, at any hour for urgent matters. Video visits are possible as well and e-mail is another way to access your physician for non-urgent matters. It’s how we do custom healthcare.

Naturally we provide such care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of our independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text or webcam. We can locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.

We maintain scrupulous standards of privacy. We are never obligated to provide any third party with a copy of your records unless you specifically ask that we do so.

Come get to know us! Schedule a free, unconditional visit to discuss your healthcare needs. It’s the only reasonable way to begin what we trust will be a long, productive, healthy relationship.

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Either party can terminate the membership with 30 days’ notice.