What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care is a nation-wide movement of Primary Care doctors who have disembarked from the insurance companies and their assembly-line model of medicine in favor of re-establishing the patient-doctor relationship. It is a form of concierge medicine that is designed to be affordable for the masses. We operate on a monthly membership fee, much like a gym, which allows patients to receive unlimited office visits and what we call technology visits (email, cell phone/text messages, Skype, FaceTime, etc.). Because DPC practices do not participate in any insurance or plans, the providers are able to avoid the ever-increasing and costly documentation demands and administrative intrusions that come with accepting insurance. DPC practices also avoid the onerous patient data collection responsibilities which many plans impose. These require staff, time, and money, often amounting to substantial intrusions on patient privacy. Because DPC physicians avoid these obligations to insurance companies, they are free to spend that time listening to and treating patients. And because DPC physicians eliminate the significant overhead costs of participating in insurance, they can pass the savings on to you, the patient – and give compassionate, attentive and timely care at an affordable cost.

Is Direct Primary Care a better option?

Many patients today and in the near future will end up having high deductible plans, where the insurance won’t cover the first $2,000-$5,000 that they spend anyway, but with our membership model, they can maximize the amount of healthcare they get and minimize their cost. In the new model of care, we work with our patients directly through a monthly membership so they get unlimited office visits and what we call technology visits. They also don’t have co-pays for anything in our office. Most of the procedures we can do in our office like: EKG, PFT’s, biopsies, cryosurgery, joint injections, etc., are included free of charge. In addition, we are able to dispense many of the most common generic medications directly out of the office at wholesale pricing. We can also get labs and radiology at wholesale pricing as well, which will be a substantial savings for the patient. So in the long run, we actually end up saving our patients more than the membership costs.

Will I still benefit from a Direct Primary Care practice even if I don’t require frequent medical attention?

We love that question and we hear it often! Everyone benefits from medical care personalized directly for them. Our practice is committed to preventative health maintenance which is a long-term investment in you! Physicals, i.e., preventative health visits, are not just routine; they are opportunities for early disease detection, much like a state inspection for your car. Every visit, regardless of the reason, will give us the opportunity to get to know you better and to build a long-standing relationship over time. As a result, individual care plans can be developed that are tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Traditional medical practices, which are insurance-driven, find it difficult to forge this relationship effectively like we are fortunate to do.

How will I know if CompassDirect Healthcare will be the right fit for me?

Since you are on our website, you are on the right track already! If you like what you have read so far, we invite you to call us so that we can personally answer your questions. Also, please check out our Blog on this website. There are a lot of great topics that may interest you and help aid you in your decision making.

What are your prices?

Please find a complete list of our prices on this website under "Pricing".

Can you help with the cost of prescriptions? What about labs?

Because we are an insurance free practice, we have a unique situation where we can directly purchase medications at wholesale cost from the manufacturer. We will pass these savings directly on to you. In addition, we have a contract with a lab to purchase lab testing at wholesale prices with these savings passed directly on to you. We complete x-rays on site and provide them to you at a minimal cost, just enough to cover the fee charged to us by the radiologist interpreting your x-rays.
Finally, we have a direct relationship for advanced imaging studies, such as CT’s, and MRI’s, all at a substantial discount. Much like a membership at Costco, membership in our practice gets you these cost-saving discounts on medications, lab tests, and imaging studies.

What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?

Our patients, if hospitalized, are seen by the hospitalist. Our commitment is to help you avoid being hospitalized by early detection of disease and/or subtle signs that an existing disease state is worsening. Having a non-pressured doctor who is always available to assist in your health care is key to helping to reduce hospital stays. Your providers at CompassDirect Healthcare have specialist advice at their fingertips to save you time and money. If you require a consultant for face-to-face specialty medical care, our providers will work closely with that specialist. Because we are not affiliated with any other healthcare systems in the area, the choice is made together with you.

Are my medical records ever shared with insurance carriers, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies?

Absolutely not! Patient privacy is a natural benefit of this medical model. We will never provide any third party with a copy of your records, unless you specifically ask us to do so or if CompassDirect Healthcare is subject to subpoena or search warrant.

What if I need medical attention when I'm away from home?

Contact us! We can determine the most effective means of communication to determine the best approach to handle your specific situation. Again, we can connect via email, cell phone, text message, Skype, FaceTime, etc. We’ll help you find the nearest pharmacy and prescribe the medications you need. In addition, as a patient of CompassDirect Healthcare, you may consult with other direct primary care providers across the country who participate in the National Care Network for Direct Primary Care and may see you for a one-time visit fee.

May I contact CompassDirect Healthcare after hours? How?

Yes of course you can! We understand that acute illness and injury do not always occur during office hours; therefore, you may contact us at any time. It is our expectation that just as we respect your time that you respect ours and only contact your provider after hours if it is indeed absolutely necessary. As always, for life threatening emergencies call 911.

When do I pay my fees for labs and procedures not included in my membership?

Charges will be added to your next automatic monthly fee via your preferred method of payment. If you prefer to have your insurance billed for labs not included in your membership just let us know.

Do you make house calls?

We do make a limited number of house calls for those who are acutely ill and unable to come to the office. We do not care for totally home bound or nursing home patients. Feel free to inquire more about this.

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care is a nation-wide movement of Primary Care doctors who have disembarked from the insurance companies and their assembly-line model of medicine in favor of re-establishing the patient-doctor relationship. It is a form of concierge medicine that is designed to be affordable for the masses. We operate on a monthly membership fee, much like a gym, which allows patients to receive unlimited office visits and what we call technology visits (email, cell phone/text messages, Skype, FaceTime, etc.). Because DPC practices do not participate in any insurance or plans, the providers are able to avoid the ever-increasing and costly documentation demands and administrative intrusions that come with accepting insurance. DPC practices also avoid the onerous patient data collection responsibilities which many plans impose. These require staff, time, and money, often amounting to substantial intrusions on patient privacy. Because DPC physicians avoid these obligations to insurance companies, they are free to spend that time listening to and treating patients. And because DPC physicians eliminate the significant overhead costs of participating in insurance, they can pass the savings on to you, the patient – and give compassionate, attentive and timely care at an affordable cost.

Is Direct Primary Care a better option?

Many patients today and in the near future will end up having high deductible plans, where the insurance won’t cover the first $2,000-$5,000 that they spend anyway, but with our membership model, they can maximize the amount of healthcare they get and minimize their cost. In the new model of care, we work with our patients directly through a monthly membership so they get unlimited office visits and what we call technology visits. They also don’t have co-pays for anything in our office. Most of the procedures we can do in our office like: EKG, PFT’s, biopsies, cryosurgery, joint injections, etc., are included free of charge. In addition, we are able to dispense many of the most common generic medications directly out of the office at wholesale pricing. We can also get labs and radiology at wholesale pricing as well, which will be a substantial savings for the patient. So in the long run, we actually end up saving our patients more than the membership costs.

Will I still benefit from a Direct Primary Care practice even if I don’t require frequent medical attention?

We love that question and we hear it often! Everyone benefits from medical care personalized directly for them. Our practice is committed to preventative health maintenance which is a long-term investment in you! Physicals, i.e., preventative health visits, are not just routine; they are opportunities for early disease detection, much like a state inspection for your car. Every visit, regardless of the reason, will give us the opportunity to get to know you better and to build a long-standing relationship over time. As a result, individual care plans can be developed that are tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Traditional medical practices, which are insurance-driven, find it difficult to forge this relationship effectively like we are fortunate to do.

How will I know if CompassDirect Healthcare will be the right fit for me?

Since you are on our website, you are on the right track already! If you like what you have read so far, we invite you to call us so that we can personally answer your questions. Also, please check out our Blog on this website. There are a lot of great topics that may interest you and help aid you in your decision making.

What are your prices?

Please find a complete list of our prices on this website under "Pricing".

Can you help with the cost of prescriptions? What about labs?

Because we are an insurance free practice, we have a unique situation where we can directly purchase medications at wholesale cost from the manufacturer. We will pass these savings directly on to you. In addition, we have a contract with a lab to purchase lab testing at wholesale prices with these savings passed directly on to you. We complete x-rays on site and provide them to you at a minimal cost, just enough to cover the fee charged to us by the radiologist interpreting your x-rays.
Finally, we have a direct relationship for advanced imaging studies, such as CT’s, and MRI’s, all at a substantial discount. Much like a membership at Costco, membership in our practice gets you these cost-saving discounts on medications, lab tests, and imaging studies.

What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?

Our patients, if hospitalized, are seen by the hospitalist. Our commitment is to help you avoid being hospitalized by early detection of disease and/or subtle signs that an existing disease state is worsening. Having a non-pressured doctor who is always available to assist in your health care is key to helping to reduce hospital stays. Your providers at CompassDirect Healthcare have specialist advice at their fingertips to save you time and money. If you require a consultant for face-to-face specialty medical care, our providers will work closely with that specialist. Because we are not affiliated with any other healthcare systems in the area, the choice is made together with you.

Are my medical records ever shared with insurance carriers, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies?

Absolutely not! Patient privacy is a natural benefit of this medical model. We will never provide any third party with a copy of your records, unless you specifically ask us to do so or if CompassDirect Healthcare is subject to subpoena or search warrant.

What if I need medical attention when I'm away from home?

Contact us! We can determine the most effective means of communication to determine the best approach to handle your specific situation. Again, we can connect via email, cell phone, text message, Skype, FaceTime, etc. We’ll help you find the nearest pharmacy and prescribe the medications you need. In addition, as a patient of CompassDirect Healthcare, you may consult with other direct primary care providers across the country who participate in the National Care Network for Direct Primary Care and may see you for a one-time visit fee.

May I contact CompassDirect Healthcare after hours? How?

Yes of course you can! We understand that acute illness and injury do not always occur during office hours; therefore, you may contact us at any time. It is our expectation that just as we respect your time that you respect ours and only contact your provider after hours if it is indeed absolutely necessary. As always, for life threatening emergencies call 911.

When do I pay my fees for labs and procedures not included in my membership?

Charges will be added to your next automatic monthly fee via your preferred method of payment. If you prefer to have your insurance billed for labs not included in your membership just let us know.

Do you make house calls?

We do make a limited number of house calls for those who are acutely ill and unable to come to the office. We do not care for totally home bound or nursing home patients. Feel free to inquire more about this.

Does CompassDirect Healthcare Accept Insurance?

We accept all patients regardless of insurance. We simply don't bill insurance. Perhaps the most critical distinction of our practice is that it focuses on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. While the tender mercies of an insurance company might apply to the fixing of a damaged fender on your automobile, we see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your family’s healthcare. We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably come with third-party payers. Furthermore, this direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.

As a patient of CompassDirect Healthcare do I still need insurance?

Yes, although health insurance is NOT necessary for membership. We do encourage patients to maintain some level of health insurance to help cover the costs of medical care that you receive from medical providers/facilities outside of our practice. Insurance will help cover costs associated with, but not limited to, prescription medications, labs, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRI’s, etc.), specialist consultations, hospitalizations, and surgeries. CompassDirect Healthcare does not replace insurance, and ideally we encourage our patients to carry a high deductible or major medical plan or a plan with a health savings account, thereby ensuring financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. You should consult with your insurance provider to help you find a plan that works best with our medical model and that will meet your specific needs.

What if I want to continue my current insurance? Can I use it?

Yes, just not for services provided here at CompassDirect Healthcare. We are an insurance-free medical practice which means that we do not bill insurance. This does NOT mean, however, that patients with insurance cannot become members in our practice. Nearly all services provided through our office are included in the membership fee.

If I have Medicare, can I join as a patient?

Yes. If our practice is full you will need to join the waitlist, however you can join once an opening is available. At that time you will need to sign a waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. This waiver must be completed at least every 2 years. Even though Medicare will not pay us for any services you receive in our practice, your Medicare benefits will otherwise remain unchanged and can continue to be used for all other medical care received outside of our practice. Medicare patients carrying a secondary insurance will appreciate the most primary care savings when they switch to a higher deductable secondary plan. Most Medicare patients have been advised by insurance brokers to carry an F plan for their Mediare secondary, which runs between $200 and $300 a month in premiums on average. Medicare patients lose money on this plan while insurance companies and insurance brokers make money. Please contact a member of our staff to learn how you can easily to switch to a lower monthly premium plan and save money every month.

How can I save on insurance costs by being a patient of CompassDirect Healthcare?

Many times patients purchase expensive “Cadillac” plans that require little or no co-pay and that cover all lab costs and prescription costs. However, with CompassDirect Healthcare your monthly fee includes all office visits, basic labs and there are no copays. Our patients may find it worthwhile to change from a “Cadillac” health insurance plan to a high deductible PPO insurance or non-traditional HealthSharing options, ERISA-based self insurance, or short-term plans which can save you a significant amount of money.

Are CompassDirect Healthcare’s monthly fees eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement?

You may want to check with your employer regarding the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s) as possible payment options for your annual membership. If you are unable to use these funds to pay for the annual membership fee directly, there is a good chance that you can still use your HSA/FSA as reimbursement for certain services provided through our office.

Can you tell me more about Healthcare Sharing Ministries?

Healthcare sharing ministries are typically faith-based non-profit organizations that pool members' money to share medical expenses. The Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries reports that there are nearly a million people covered under health care sharing ministries as of 2018. More than 100 health care sharing ministries are in operation in the US, however most health care sharing ministry members are enrolled in coverage offered by Samaritan Ministries, Medi-Share, and Christian Healthcare Ministries. We recommend you visit their individual websites to learn more:

https://samaritanministries.org/

https://mychristiancare.org/

https://www.chministries.org/