What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative alternative payment model improving access to high quality health care with a simple, flat, affordable monthly membership. Patients are connected directly to their doctor and receive a full range of comprehensive primary services, including routine care, regular checkups, preventive care, and care coordination. Additionally, preferred services, such as extended appointment times, direct physician access, and select in-office tests and procedures are all included with membership.

DPC practices enjoy smaller patient panel sizes, which means they can devote more time and attention to each individual patient. Having a low monthly membership model means there are never any copays, deductibles, or surprise hidden charges. DPC practices remain independent, which allows them to removing third-party barriers and focus on what’s really important, patient health and developing a comprehensive personalized plan of care.

How can Pioneer DPC help me save money?

Depending on the frequency that patients need primary care services, many find that they pay less for Pioneer DPC membership than they would traditionally with regular copays. Additionally, by having easier and more direct access to their own primary care physician, patients can avoid costly urgent care and emergency department visits. Pioneer DPC is also able to utilize our resources to help patients save money on labs, imaging, and medications. Often, these prices are below what patients would expect to pay even with their insurance coverage. Pioneer DPC helps patients save valuable time by offering phone visits and direct email contact. Since patients can manage their healthcare while taking less time away from work or their demanding schedules, many find the convenience and peace of mind provided by Pioneer DPC priceless.

Is Direct Primary Care the same as concierge care?

While many people consider DPC “concierge level” care, because of how easy it is to access their physician and how much time gets devoted to each patient, actual concierge care and DPC have some important differences. While both models offer more direct physician access, concierge practices generally charge a membership premium that is in addition to regular billing for services. With concierge care, patients may still be required to provide copays for visits and services; additionally, concierge practices are usually contracted with third parties, mostly insurance providers, and will bill for reimbursement of covered services. This means that most concierge practices are required to adhere to certain methods and procedures to ensure reimbursement.

In contrast, DPC relies on monthly memberships to cover costs of included services. Since DPC practices do not rely on third-party reimbursement, they are free to practice care as they see best for each patient, without interference from third-party restrictions.

Do you take insurance?

No, we do not bill insurance or Medicare. Our monthly membership is a direct agreement between our practice and each patient. By removing the need for complicated third-party contracts, billing, and coding, we can offer extended appointment times and devote more resources directly to each patient. It also means that visits are not be bogged down by repetitive, mostly irrelevant, questions and procedures, which generally exist only to satisfy third-party requirements.

I have great insurance. Why should I join?

Great insurance does not always equal “great” health care. In the traditional model, visits “covered” by insurance are often rushed in 15 minutes or less while the doctor stares at a computer screen, and the patient is told they aren’t allowed to discuss more than one problem or will need to return for another appointment. Those types of visits might be “covered” by insurance, but may not be the type of high quality, personal, and accessible care you need.

At Pioneer DPC, you will have personal access to a highly qualified primary care physician with benefits that include extended appointment times, same or next day appointments for urgent visits, and access to your physician via phone, text and email.

Is Direct Primary Care health insurance?

No. While many patients use DPC membership to cover services in place of traditional insurance, DPC is not considered health insurance.

Should I still have health insurance?

Yes. While Pioneer DPC provides excellent care and access that keeps patients healthy and helps prevent the need for costly medical services, we still recommend that all patients have at least a high deductible health plan to cover events such as hospitalization, major surgery, or extensive specialist treatment.

Can I still use my insurance if I join Pioneer DPC?

You can still use your insurance as you regularly would for ancillary services, such as labs, imaging, medications, specialty visits, hospitalizations, and surgeries. However, in many cases, insurance copays can be more expensive than the discounted prices we are able to provide. We encourage patients to check with their insurance providers for the fine details about what is and isn’t covered.

What ages does Pioneer DPC see?

We treat children and adults of all ages.

Can I contact my physician after hours?

Yes. We will be available by phone for urgent needs after hours. For non-urgent issues, please contact us by leaving a voicemail or sending an email.

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

The level of care that patients receive with Pioneer DPC isn’t restricted to just office visits. Our commitment to providing excellent care and access means that we are always working for our patients to ensure that they are receiving the best care possible. We seek to prevent or reduce hospitalization and specialty referrals as much as possible; however, in instances where those types of care are required, we will continually coordinate with the specialist or hospital caring for you.

How affordable is Pioneer DPC membership?

Our membership rates are very reasonable, often less than what many people pay per month for things such as cell phones, cable, lawn maintenance, and eating out; however, most see healthcare as a more meaningful expenditure. Our membership provides outstanding primary care for less than what many people spend on thier daily coffee. Depending on how you decide to set your budget, our plans are easily affordable.