What type of services are included in my annual membership?
How is membership-based practice (DPC/concierge) different from traditional family medicine practice?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) or concierge-style practices may or may not participate with insurance plans. Your Health is a membership-based practice and does not participate with insurance. Traditional practices have fees that are set by insurance plans.
DPC practices are significantly smaller (300-400 patients, compared to 2000+) in size. Smaller size lends ease with scheduling appointments, little to no wait times in a crowded waiting room, more comprehensive office visits, and more time for counseling/education around preventative care measures.
Traditional Family Medicine practices typically have larger patient panels. Larger volumes contribute to shorter office visits and limited openings to accommodate routine, sick and especially new patient office visits. Traditional providers often cater more to the demands of insurance companies than to patients.
I am pretty healthy. How can this type of practice work for me?
This style of medicine is ideal for its ease and convenience. DPC doctors are available when you need them. Same day or next day visits are available to address acute issues. The typical wait time for a new patient primary care visit can be anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months. Urgent care facilities offer same day visits, but it’s not unusual to wait for several hours in a crowded waiting room before you’re evaluated. In both situations, you are meeting with a medical professional who does not know you and vice versa.
Your health is one of your greatest assets. Investing in yourself now while you are young and healthy, may prevent future health problems from developing. DPC practices offer high quality care designed to enable conversations about prevention and early detection that traditional family medicine practices are unable to provide largely due to time constraints. A proactive approach will save you money in the future.
What are my options if I’m interested in this type of practice, but hesitant to join right now?
A consultation may be arranged at the office with me if you want to meet face-to-face before making your decision to join Your Health. Simply call the office to schedule.
From there, we will walk you through the onboarding process.