*What is DPC?

Direct primary care (DPC) is the newer version of "the way medicine used to be." DPC has been around for over 15 years and has been growing substantially over the past few years as more people realize the benefits of this style of practice. Here are some of the basic premises of DPC:

• DPC allows for longer visit times, at least 30-60 minutes, which means no more rushed 7 minute visits. This gives us more time to address your concerns and help you meet your health goals immediately, without being told schedule another appointment to discuss concerns at a later date). Appointments can of course be shorter if you do not not need the full amount of time.
• DPC means fewer patients in the practice. Rather than 2000+ patients in the traditional fee-for-service model, we see 600-700 patients total. This gives us the oporturnity to have longer visit times and be more flexibile ways with our means of communication, via office visit, text, message via portal, phone, video visits, home visits, etc. This is also why we have same-day or the next-day appointments and it will be with your physician instead of someone you have never met.
• No copays!
• Transparent pricing -- discounts on labs, imaging and medications
• Doctors are paid by patients for the care they provide rather than receiving payment from insurance or government payers. Direct payment without the middleperson makes all of this possible.

By not relying on insurance companies, we're able to return to the roots of medicine.

*Is DPC Insurance?

No. DPC is not insurance. It is a way to directly pay for your primary care needs.

*What does the membership cover?

• Physical Exams (pap smears done with just a low additional pathology fee)
• Well child checks
• Acute visits (ie- sick visits)
• Chronic Care visits (monitoring of diabetes, hypertension, etc)
• Nutritional goals/weight management
• Cryotherapy (wart removal - with a small supply fee)
• Skin lesion removal (a small supply fee may be needed depending on the procedure needed)
• OMT (Osteopathic manipulative therapy)- 3 visits per year (when recommended)
• Ear wax removal
• EKG (when indicated)

*Do you accept insurance?

No, we do not accept insurance payments, but we do work with your insurance provider if needed. For instance, if you decide that you want to use your insurance to pay for labs or imaging, then we can accommodate that. With that said, it may be more expensive to use your insurance because your deductible may be more than the cash price, so always check with your plan about what portion you are responsible for.

*Do I need Insurance to be a member?

You do not need to have health insurance to be a patient here, but we do recommend having some type of catastrophic plan, such as a high deductible insurance with an HSA (Health Savings Account) if possible. Typically, we can deal with 80% of the health issues that come up here in the office, but occasionally emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or visits with specialists are needed.

*Why do I need DPC if I am healthy?

Many people join our practice for the convenience of being able to get an appointment quickly and the ability to text, message, or just talk to their physician when they need to. People also appreciate that we can have longer visits to address anything that they want to discuss in regards to their health. This means that there is more time to work to make you even healthier. In addition, urgent matters sometimes come up unexpectedly, and being a member means that you can frequently avoid ER and urgent care visits which can add up to more than the annual membership fee alone.

*But if I am already paying for insurance why would I want to pay for a membership?

Forming a long-term relationship with a physician who has the time to really get to know you and to help you plan and work toward your health goals is a significant investment in your health. Additionally, the convenience and access through same-day or next-day visits and the use of modern technologies for some visits is preferable for many. In addition it is possible that you are already paying a similar price or more per year, depending on your copay and deductible. Some people can have significant cost savings by pairing a DPC membership with a high deductible plan or healthcare sharing plan (like Sedera). With DPC there is a set monthly price with no copays for visits, and because of the transparency of prices, you will know any additional prices up front.

Don't forget the discounts on labs and on some medications.

*Can I use my FSA or HSA for the monthly fee?

Possibly. This has not been clarified by the IRS and so we recommend checking with your FSA administrator and your accountant for their recommendations.

*Why do your hours vary from day to day?

We understand that the traditional 8-5 work day does not work for everyone and can require people to take time off from work to be seen. This is why our schedule varies from day to day. If you don't see a time that will work for you, please ask and we will try to accommodate your request when possible.

*Are you really going to do housecalls?

Yes!! Direct Primary Care (DPC) allows the time for housecalls when necessary, however when we are at a housecall it will take time away from being available in the office. Housecalls will be done only when necessary and will be an additional fee or the housecall plan.

*Are you actually available 24/7?

Yes, once you are a member you can communicate with Dr. Holzinger when you need to. With that being said, Dr. Holzinger tries to maintain a healthy work-life balance herself to provide optimal care, so we ask that for routine questions or concerns, you please use our portal anytime, call or message during office hours as much as possible. If it is urgent then certainly message or call and she will be back in touch with you as soon as possible. If case of an emergency, then please go to the Emergency Room or call 911.