Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct care?

Direct care is a direct contract between patient and physician, whereby patients pay a monthly or annual fee directly to their doctor. The doctor does not bill insurance for visits and in return patients get better access to their physician, longer appointments, and no per-visit fees.

Isn't this just concierge medicine?

Not quite. Traditional concierge practices often charge a membership fee or retainer in addition to billing your insurance. Direct care skips billing insurance entirely and only charges a membership fee. That's what keeps pricing transparent and administrative overhead low.

Isn't this only for the wealthy?

Direct care is often more affordable than people expect, especially when you account for the value of prompt access, extended visits, and included services. It's also fair to consider that one comprehensive direct care visit can often cover what traditional insurance-based care spreads across several separate, redundant appointments — each with its own copay, frustration and time away from work or family.

Do I need to keep my insurance?

Yes. Direct care is not a replacement for insurance, it's a different way of paying for the visit itself. You still need coverage for hospitalization, emergency room visits, surgery, and other major medical events. Most direct care patients pair their membership with a high-deductible or catastrophic insurance plan for exactly this reason.

Can my physician still order labs, imaging, or prescriptions through my insurance?

Yes. Your physician can still order labs, imaging, and other testing through your insurance, and still write prescriptions that your insurance covers, just as they would in a traditional practice. Direct care changes how the visit itself is paid for, it doesn't cut you off from the rest of your coverage.