Who should join?
Everyone should have a relationship with a primary care doctor who truly knows and respects them - someone they naturally turn to when they are scared or confused and facing a major medical situation or life event. My clinic model allows me to offer such diligent attention that patients have told me they feel like they have a doctor in their family. I am happy to join you or your loved one on the life-health journey at any step of the health lifeline: preventive and nutritional health, acute illness, chronic illness or the end-of-life experience and hospice care. I have stepped away from the typical and restrictive red-tape so that I can truly become your partner and advocate in health.What are the fees?
Monthly fee (includes unlimited access with no additional fees, copays or deductibles):
$105 for individuals age <40
$120 for individuals age 40+
One-time enrollment fee: $200 for individuals, $300 for couples enrolling at the same time.
What does the monthly fee cover?
- Direct cell phone/email access to a doctor who knows you and cares about you
- 30-60 minute visits to allow for adequate time to answer all your questions
- Unlimited office visits - physicals, sick visits, chronic health care visits, office procedures (including but not limited to: suturing/wound care, incision&drainage of minor abscesses, cryotherapy for precancerous skin lesions/warts, skin biopsies, joint injections, toenail removal), women's health (paps, perimenopause/menopause hormone health)
- Home visits as appropriate if homebound (travel fee may apply if > 30 minutes driving)
- Courtesy visit at the hospital
- Deeply discounted labs, medications and imaging pricing (discounts so substantial that some have recovered their annual fee in full!)
- Personalized lifestyle and nutritional counseling
- Direct and timely coordination of care with specialists and/or hospital providers
- Space is limited to allow for exceptional care for current patients
Do you take insurance?
My clinic is a Direct Primary Care practice. No insurance or third party payor is allowed to be billed for the monthly fee. This means the doctor-patient relationship is without outside interference. I work for you, not your insurance company. Your insurance and/or Medicare can still be used to cover other services outside my office the same way any other doctor/clinic has been for hospital stays, specialist/referrals, labs and/or medications.What is the difference between Concierge Medicine and Direct Primary Care?
The terms are often used interchangeably and essentially refer to the same principles. Typically, however, Direct Primary Care charges far lower membership fees AND do not bill insurance. Learn more by visiting this Eugene Weekly article: https://eugeneweekly.com/2020/01/02/the-doctor-will-see-you/If I have Medicare, can I still join?
Yes. Medicare will not pay for the monthly fee but will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, hospitalizations, referrals or medications I prescribe.Why should I join when my insurance covers primary care?
Excellent primary care can actually deliver 80-90% of the health care that most people require and reduce the need for the unnecessary tests, specialists and ER/urgent care visits which costs you money, stress and time. Most health insurance only offers partial reimbursement and you are responsible for copays, co-insurance and deductibles which limits how often most people go to see their doctor. In my clinic, there are no hidden fees. Clinics modeled this way have been shown to reduce hospital stays by 60%, specialty referrals by 14% and unnecessary imaging by 30%. Since I am free from third party contracts, I have direct access to supplier medications and lab pricing - often discounted up to 90% - which are savings that I pass on to you. What better investment can you make in life than your health?Will I still benefit even if I don't go to the doctor very often?
Of course. Maintaining your health is the best way to prevent illness. The goal of health care should be to optimize your body for vitality and longevity. The current health care system is designed to take care of symptoms of illness. In contrast, I intend to use a holistic approach by giving you the tools and education you need to overcome your health-related issues with proper diet, exercise and lifestyle modification.Does this replace my health insurance?
No. I recommend my patients continue a major-medical plan with a high deductible (keeping monthly premiums as low as possible) and possibly a health saving account to ensure financial support should hospitalization, emergency medical services or referral to a specialist be necessary. Another great option is the health share plans - an alternative to traditional health insurance, which may also reimburse for the direct primary care monthly fee. I'm happy to refer you to trustworthy insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your needs.What is the cancellation and refund policy?
You can cancel at any time and membership will be terminated at the end of the current calendar month. Refunds only for advance payments.Won't you be too busy and wind up being too difficult to reach like my regular doctor?
No. The average primary care physician has between 2500 and 4000 patients and sees greater than 125 patients per week. By stepping away from health insurance and corporate offices, I can limit my practice size to <10% of this so that I can provide high quality medical care. I offer same day and next day visits.Is my fee tax deductible?
Some medical expenses are considered tax deductible. The American Academy of Private Physicians is lobbying to have legal formalization of this. In the meantime, check with your tax accountant about reimbursing for the monthly fee with your HSA/FSA.If I don't have insurance will you still see me?
Yes. If you are committed to your health care, I will see you. I accept credit card payments and direct bank transactions as well as check/cash payments if made quarterly.Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. However, I do have a waitlist of about 6-9 months at this time.How do I schedule an appointment?
Current patients have my cell phone number to contact me directly. If you are not a current patient, but are interested in becoming one, please click here.How will I know if this is right for me?
I offer a free "meet and greet" via either phone or in person to ask questions and see if my clinic feels like a good fit for your needs. It is the only reasonable way to begin a long, productive, healthy relationship.What if I want to be part of this, but I just can't afford it?
Please look at the Robin Hood page.What if I get sick away from home?
Because my practice is small, I will know you well and I can provide consultation services from afar. Using a secure, web based system, your medical records will be available to you wherever there is internet or email access.What happens if I have an emergency or I am admitted into a hospital?
My clinic is not a substitute for 911. However, I am well connected with the local emergency rooms and hospitals and would communicate with the hospitalist to provide any additional health history without a gap in your care.What is Palliative care?
Life is a beautiful gift, and each individual entrance as well as departure from this physical world also harbors potential to be equally beautiful. As physical illness advances and one approaches the limits of modern medicine in improving quality of life, palliative care physicians can guide patients and their families in the transition from diagnosis and treatment focus to a goal of comfort and life quality. Palliative care is often underutilized in patients with advanced lung disease, heart disease and dementia. Most people would prefer to die at home, however, due to the lack of early palliative care involvement, the majority end up dying in the hospital setting. For more information, click here.Can my small business sign up with your clinic?
As a small business myself, I would love to support your business in the best way possible - by providing excellent and cost-effective health care to your workforce! With rising health insurance costs, it is becoming difficult for small business owners to be able offer health care to their employees. This clinic model of Direct Primary Care offers a practical solution to this gap in benefits. Contact me for special group offers for small businesses.