Direct Primary Care (DPC)

DPC is the single best alternative to regular “fee per care” medicine. It is a medical practice that does NOT deal with insurance companies, and focus on providing convenient, affordable and highest quality medical care directly to patients without any third parties being involved.

The contract is straight between the patient and the doctor. Transparency is key. The high quality, evidence-based medicine will be provided to you directly by a board-certified PHYSICIAN, at an affordable cost. The low monthly membership fee will include virtually unlimited access to your doctor for all your medically related needs.

Be mindful that DPC is not a health insurance! Our patients are strongly encouraged to acquire a “catastrophic” high deductible health insurance for hospitalizations and emergencies.

BENEFITS OF DPC

• Office visits with your physician are virtually unlimited

• You will have access to your doctor by text, phone and video calls, email

• We are specialized in disease prevention and management of chronic diseases such as hypertension, asthma, diabetes

• Acute care clinic for minor injuries and illnesses

• Gynecological care, pap tests, and family planning

• Procedures like skin biopsies, ingrown toenail removal, joint injections

• Travel exams, school and work physicals

• Mental health and wellness coaching

• Radiology and Laboratory services done in house and at a significantly reduced cost

• Medications dispensed in office with best pricing available and access to wholesale medications

Direct Primary Care (DPC) Physician:

  • Membership Model:
    • Subscription-based model where patients pay a monthly or annual fee for unlimited access to primary care services.
  • Extended Access:
    • Longer appointment times and more flexible scheduling, allowing for comprehensive and unhurried visits.
  • No Insurance Billing:
    • DPC physicians often do not bill insurance for routine services, reducing administrative overhead and paperwork.
  • Cost Transparency:
    • Clear and transparent pricing for services, with no surprise fees, copays, or deductibles.
  • Focus on Preventive Care:
    • Emphasis on proactive and preventive care to maintain overall health and address issues before they become more serious.
  • Enhanced Doctor-Patient Relationship:
    • More personalized and stronger relationships between patients and physicians due to the smaller patient load.
  • Telemedicine Services:
    • Often includes virtual consultations, providing convenient access to healthcare remotely.
  • Wide Range of Services:
    • Comprehensive primary care services, including some in-house procedures, without the need for referrals to specialists for every issue.

Regular Primary Care Physician:

  • Insurance Billing:
    • Acceptance of insurance, which may cover a portion of the medical expenses, but can also result in administrative burdens and paperwork.
  • Standard Appointment Times:
    • Typically shorter appointment times due to higher patient volumes, potentially leading to a more rushed experience.
  • Traditional Fee-for-Service Model:
    • Billing for each service provided, with copays and deductibles as per the insurance plan.
  • Referral System:
    • Often requires referrals for specialized care, leading to additional steps and potentially delays in treatment.
  • Varied Doctor-Patient Relationships:
    • Relationships may vary in strength due to larger patient loads and time constraints.
  • Telemedicine Availability:
    • Telemedicine services may be available but could be influenced by the policies of the healthcare system.
  • Preventive Care Focus:
    • While preventive care is important, time constraints may limit the depth of discussion and planning during appointments.
  • Specialized Care:
    • Referral to specialists is more common for complex or specialized health issues.

FAQ

Find quick answers for most common questions about Direct Primary Care (DPC)

Why should I choose Direct Primary Care (DPC) over traditional healthcare?

Direct Primary Care offers a transparent and cost-effective alternative to traditional healthcare. With a fixed monthly membership fee, you gain access to comprehensive, personalized healthcare services without the complexities of copays, deductibles, or surprise fees.

How does DPC save me money compared to traditional healthcare?

By eliminating insurance hassles and administrative overhead, we are able to offer transparent and affordable pricing. Our membership model covers a wide range of services, providing value and potentially saving you money when compared to traditional co-pays and deductibles.

What's included in the membership fee?

Our membership fee covers a variety of services, including extended appointment times, same-day or next-day visits, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management. This all-inclusive approach ensures you receive comprehensive care without additional out-of-pocket costs.

Are there family or group discounts available?

Yes, we offer family and group membership discounts to make quality healthcare accessible for households. This ensures that everyone in your family can benefit from the personalized care and affordability of our DPC model.

How does DPC promote preventive care and save me money in the long run?

Preventive care is a key focus of DPC. By including preventive screenings in your membership, we aim to catch potential health issues early, preventing more significant and costly treatments in the future. This proactive approach can lead to long-term cost savings and improved overall well-being.

Does DPC cover prescription medications?

While our membership does not cover the cost of medications directly, we often collaborate with pharmacies to provide our members with discounted rates on prescription medications, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. Our in house pharmacy has most of the medications you will need at very discounted rates.

How can I calculate the potential savings by choosing DPC?

We understand the importance of making informed healthcare decisions. Feel free to reach out for a consultation where we can discuss your specific needs and provide you with personalized information on potential cost savings based on your healthcare requirements.

How do I get started with DPC at LIMA MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa?

Taking the first step is easy. Simply click on "ENROLL NOW" to add on your basic contact information and once that is done we will reach out to you on a timely manner. To learn more about our membership plans, pricing details, Business Packages and the unique benefits of choosing Direct Primary Care for your healthcare needs, please check out the other pages of our website or give us a call.

Can I come in for a one time visit?

Yes. But, one time visits are discouraged in the DPC practice as follow up appointments are nearly inevitably necessary.

Pricing for one time visits start at $150, and do not include labs/imaging discounted (Member) rates.

What are some differences in prices between a member and a non member?

Service | DPC Member Price | Non-Member Price

Office Visit (per visit) | $0 (Included in Membership) | $150 (Starting)

Membership Fee | $49; $79; $99; $129 (Varies by age) | N/A

Telemedicine Consultation | $0 (Included in Membership) | $99 (Starting)

Basic Lab Tests (e.g., CBC, CMP). | $3 - $19 (Discount) | $150 - $399+ (Average)

Preventive Screenings | $0 (Included) | $175 (Starting)

In-House Procedures (e.g., stitches). | $0 - $50 (Included/Discount) | $250+ (Starting)

Specialist Referral Coordination | $0 (Included in Membership) | $150 (Average)

Chronic Disease Management | $0 (Included in Membership) | $150 (Starting, per visit)

X-rays and Imaging (Discounted) | $0 - $100 (Discounted) | $200 - $3000 (Varies)

Prescription Medications (Discount) | $0 - $20 (Discounted) | Full Retail Price