Who should join?
Everyone should have a relationship with a primary care doctor who 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 red-tape so that I can be your partner and advocate in health.What is the investment?
Monthly rate (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 investment 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)
- LGBTQIA2S+ friendly medical care and gender affirming care
- Home visits as appropriate if homebound (travel fee may apply if > 30 minutes driving)
- Courtesy visits at the hospital
- Deeply discounted labs, medications and imaging pricing (discounts so substantial that some have recovered their monthly investments 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
- Ongoing long term care with a primary care doctor double Board certified both in Internal Medicine and in Palliative Care & Hospice.
- Areas of interest: Perimenopause/menopause. Preventative (Proactive) Medicine. Care for those with complex medical issues. Geriatric care. Navigating complex medical decisions about end of life care and transitioning to hospice.
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. I work for you, not your insurance company. Your insurance and/or Medicare can still be used to cover other services outside my office 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 quality of care. Typically, Direct Primary Care charges far lower membership fees AND does not bill insurance. Direct Primary Care also has tools to make health care more affordable such as low cost imaging, labs and medications. This accommodates for those folks with high deductible plans and also those with income too high for medicaid but too low to afford the outrageously expensive monthly health insurance premiums. Direct access to excellent primary care should be available and affordable for everyone - the Direct Primary Care model encourages that. 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 investment but will pay for 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 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?
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 proactive approach by giving you the tools and education you need to understand your health-related issues.Does this replace my health insurance?
No. I recommend my patients continue a major-medical plan with a high deductible and possibly a health saving account to ensure financial support should hospitalization, emergency medical services or referral to a specialist be necessary.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 for urgent needs.Is my fee tax deductible?
Some medical expenses are considered tax deductible. There is currently a bill that has passed the Senate and awaiting House approval for a federal law that will allow for reimbursement of your monthly fee with an HSA/FSA without question. Until it passes, I recommend checking with your accountant.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 am committed to providing affordable health care for everyone. I accept credit card payments and direct bank transactions as well as quarterly check/cash payments.Are you currently accepting new patients?
Yes.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.What if I want to be part of this, but I just can't afford it?
Please look at the Health Equity/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 Telehealth consultation services.What happens if I have an emergency or I am admitted into a hospital?
My clinic is not a substitute for 911. However, I would communicate with the hospitalist/ER staff to provide any additional health history without a gap in your care.What is Palliative care?
Each individual entrance as well as departure from this physical world 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. 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.