FAQs
What is DPC?
DPC is a health care model that provides patients and physicians the opportunity to enter a relationship where the patient is put first. By providing primary care services for a low, flat, monthly fee, patients get same-day or next-day visits without copays. With direct access to a physician, patients can also contact their doctor by phone, text, email, or video chat when care is needed. DPC offers unhurried office visits, access to discounts on medications, labs, pathology, and imaging, all without the need for insurance! By removing the intrusiveness of health insurance, DPC is able to deliver affordable care personalized for you!
Why choose DPC?
By serving a smaller number of patients and eliminating the administrative barriers created by third party payers, DPC practices are uniquely positioned to offer affordable, convenient, and highly individualized primary care in a private and compassionate environment. DPC practices are also able to place a greater emphasis on preventative medicine, health management, and other important but often neglected issues, such as end of life planning and care.
Is DPC the same as Concierge Medicine?
There are some similarities, such as longer visits and access to your physician, but Direct Primary Care is much more affordable. Concierge or “boutique” practices bill much higher monthly fees and also bill your insurance. DPC practices are designed to offer many of the same benefits of a concierge style practice, but at a more affordable price – one fee, no co-pays and no deductibles!
Is DPC insurance?
No, DPC is not insurance. The monthly membership fee is payment for ongoing primary care services offered by the practice. Having health insurance is still recommended and necessary for care beyond the office, such as specialists, diagnostic studies, and hospitalization/ER etc.
Do I still need Insurance?
Yes, there are certain types of care that cannot be provided for you, such as surgeries and hospital stays. You would still need insurance to cover these emergency situations. Its suggested that you opt for a lower-cost, higher-deductible plan that would still offer you coverage, but would lower your monthly premium. It’s also suggested to pair your insurance with a health savings account to save for any catastrophic events. With DPC, you would not need to worry about meeting a deductible for any of the care provided for you. This will overall save you hundreds or thousands per year on healthcare costs.
Do you take my insurance if I’m insured?
No, DPC does not accept or bill health insurance. In the DPC model, they contract directly with the patient, not an insurance company, to provide quality care. By eliminating the restrictions and frustrations associated with health insurance, costs are kept low and time spent with patients is prioritized and extended.
Will you file claims with my insurance company?
No, we do not submit claims to any insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. This means you won’t be responsible for any co-pay/deductible payment when you in for an office visit!
If I have Medicare can I still become a patient at DPC?
Due to federal regulations, at this time we are unable to accept patients with Medicare. If you would like to become a patient in the future, please send us your information so we can contact you when we are able to add you to the Radiance family.
What if I have an HMO?
Unfortunately, some HMO type plans make joining a DPC practice difficult to impossible. HMO plans require that you have a primary care doctor that is ‘in-network’ with your insurance company. Please check with your insurance to see if this is the case for you.
What If I need to see a specialist?
In instances where those types of care are required, Radiance will continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay, as well as work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the variety of expertise required, we may rely on specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.
What happens if I need to be hospitalized?
By providing excellent care with virtually unlimited access to your doctor, Radiance seeks to prevent or reduce hospitalizations. Since inpatient hospital care is no longer provided, when hospitalization is necessary, Radiance will collaborate with the hospitalist during your hospital stay. We are able, however, to make social visits to hospitalized patients and encourage you to let us know if you are hospitalized.
What if I need medical care while I’m traveling?
One of the benefits of being a patient of Direct Primary Care! Because we know you well, we can usually care for you even when you’re away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated by communication through phone, secure text, email, or video chat. If necessary, and appropriate, we can call prescriptions into the pharmacy nearest you!
Will I have access to my medical records?
Our electronic medical record offers you access to your medical chart through a patient portal. Your records are your property, so you should be able to access them at your convenience and download them for free.
Do you share medical records with insurance providers or pharmaceutical companies?
No, unless you specifically request it. We take your privacy seriously, and we are not obligated to provide any third party with a copy of your records unless you specifically ask that we do and sign a release of records. At Radiance, we contract directly with you!
Do you see children at your practice?
Yes! We are a family medicine practice, accepting patients of all ages! We are working on stocking routine immunizations.
Will I benefit from DPC if I don’t require frequent medical attention?
Yes! Most medical care has become very reactionary, a response to symptoms or being sick. While care is always provided for our sick patients, Radiance places utmost importance on being proactive and creating plans for staying healthy. Everyone benefits from healthcare tailored to them! Over time, Radiance will have comprehensive knowledge about you and your individual health. If you do end up needing more frequent medical attention, we will know all about your needs and how to treat you best!
How long is the contract?
Direct Primary care is on a monthly billing basis. There are no long-term contracts, so you may cancel your patient-physician relationship at any time. If you decide to leave DPC, or your payments lapse, the fee to re-register is $300.
When does billing begin after I enroll?
When you register online through our billing software, you will be charged a non-refundable registration fee. Your monthly billing will start the month of your first visit with us. Please note that care cannot be provided through electronic means prior to an initial intake physical exam.
What will the membership fee cover?
Your membership fee covers a yearly comprehensive physical, sick visits, chronic disease management, specialist care coordination, DOT physicals, sports or work physicals, pre-operative evaluations, simple office procedures such as EKG, and simple skin procedures. You can find a list of services here.
What is your policy on controlled substances?
We believe that controlled substances (narcotics and benzodiazepines like Oxycontin, Klonopin, Xanax, etc) have a limited role in primary care and therefore, they are rarely and sparingly prescribed. We believe chronic pain requiring narcotics is best managed by a pain management specialist, but we are happy to work with you on non-narcotic options for your pain and to manage your other medical conditions. We do not treat chronic anxiety with benzodiazepines, but we are happy to offer other medications and techniques often successful in treating anxiety. No controlled substances are kept in the office.
How can I contact my provider with more info?
You can contact your provider via phone, text, email, video conferencing, or in person at the office. We do request that after-hours phone calls/texts be limited to urgent questions or concerns. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for your convenience!