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As a direct primary care practice, we often hear similar questions from our patients and those curious about our healthcare model before they’re ready to dive in. So, we’ve compiled the most common queries and clear answers in one place to help you better understand how direct primary care works and what services we offer at Prime Direct Health.
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Q: What exactly is direct primary care?
A: Direct primary care is a refreshing alternative to the traditional insurance-based primary care model. Instead of navigating the complexities of insurance claims and prior authorizations, we establish a direct relationship with our patients through a monthly membership fee. This approach allows us to focus on what matters most – your health.
With direct primary care, you can visit us as often as necessary, and everything we do in-office is included in your membership. For services not covered (like labs, imaging, and medication), we offer a straightforward 10% markup. Many patients find that combining direct primary care with a high-deductible or catastrophic medical insurance plan is an effective way to manage healthcare costs and reduce reliance on urgent or emergency care.
Q: Does direct primary care save me money, and if so, how?
A: By eliminating the middleman (insurance companies), we can offer more affordable and transparent pricing. Healthcare costs shouldn’t be a continual guessing game. Your monthly membership fee covers all in-office services, which means no surprise bills or hidden fees. For services not included, our prices are often significantly less than what you’d pay through traditional insurance channels.
Q: Do I still need insurance?
A: While direct primary care can cover most of your primary care needs, we recommend maintaining some form of health insurance for catastrophic events or specialized care outside our scope. Many of our patients opt for high-deductible plans, which can be more affordable when combined with direct primary care.
Q: What’s included in my membership?
A: Your membership covers a wide range of in-office procedures, services, and in-office labs, including:
- Annual physicals and well-checks
- Sick visits
- Minor procedures (like suturing or skin tag removal)
- In-office lab draws
- Chronic disease management
We also keep common medications in our office for faster access and convenience. However, please note that we do not store opioids on-site.
Q: What kind of labs are available, and how much do they cost?
A: At Prime Direct Health, we offer a wide range of laboratory tests at discounted rates for our members and hassle-free in-office blood draws. Commonly ordered annual lab panels range from $30-$80. Our testing includes:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Lipid Panel (Cholesterol)
- Hemoglobin A1C
- Thyroid Testing (TSH)
- Urine Analysis
We also provide specialized hormone testing:
- Female Hormone Testing: $80
- Male Hormone Testing: $65
For those concerned about sexual health, we offer STD testing ranging from $50 to $150, depending on the specific tests required.
While these lab tests are not included in your membership fee, we’ve negotiated significantly reduced rates for our patients compared to direct lab or insurance costs. This kind of transparent pricing allows you to make informed decisions about your healthcare without the worry of unexpected bills.
Q: Do you see patients of all ages?
A: Yes! We’re proud to offer care for the whole family, from kids to seniors. We provide well-checks for children, though we don’t administer pediatric vaccines in-office. However, we’re happy to assist parents in finding appropriate vaccination locations.
Q: What about specialized treatments like PRP?
A: We offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, an innovative treatment that uses your body’s own healing properties to address various conditions. PRP can help with joint pain, hair loss, and skin rejuvenation. The procedure typically has minimal downtime, and many patients report significant benefits. We’d be happy to discuss if PRP might be right for you during a consultation.
Q: What if I need to cancel my membership?
A: We understand that circumstances change. If you need to cancel your membership, we make the process straightforward and hassle-free. Just give us notice, and we’ll help you transition your care as needed.
Q: What’s *not offered at Prime Direct Health?
While we cover a broad spectrum of primary care services, there are some things we don’t provide, such as:
- Emergency services (always call 911 for emergencies)
- Complex surgical procedures
- Specialized care outside the scope of primary care
- Chronic pain and controlled substance management
For these services, we’ll help coordinate your care with appropriate specialists or facilities.
At Prime Direct Health, we’re committed to providing personalized, accessible healthcare that prioritizes you. By eliminating the barriers often found in traditional primary care, we aim to build lasting relationships with our patients and focus on what truly matters—your health and well-being.
Have a question we missed?
Don’t hesitate to reach out. You can use the ‘GET IN TOUCH’ button on our website, text, or call, and a member of our team will get back quickly. We’re here to help you navigate your healthcare journey with clarity and confidence.