DPC FAQs
Is DPC a good value?
Value is a subjective term – only you can answer that. I believe the easiest way to judge value is to first evaluate the quality, then determine the cost. An exclusive concierge clinic would be the best quality, but at high cost. To some that may be the best value.
DPC allows more relaxed visits with your MD (typical visits are 30 min), while costing less than a visit with a mid-level provider in a typical insurance based clinic. I believe that translates to a high value.
A typical insurance based clinic usually has less availability with your own private physician, along with an increasing use of non physicians. However, the cost is significantly higher than DPC. Much of this cost is consumed by the bureaucratic process of working to please a 3rd party payor rather than the patient. Another significant factor to consider is the reduced costs of obtaining lab tests and advanced imaging (CT’s and MRI’s as a DPC member. You are free to judge the value of the various options for yourself.Who is really in charge when it comes to healthcare?
Like anything else, whoever actually pays the bill. For those with typical 3rd party plans, that means either the insurance company or the government is really in charge. With DPC, you are able to make decisions for yourself with the guidance of your personal physician. No one else is involved.
Can I receive care by phone, and not need to make a trip in to the office?
Yes. For appropriate issues this is more efficient for both of us. If a simple phone visit is appropriate, we can save you a lot of time for dealing with a simple problem. If a face to face visit is required, we will let you know. Your monthly fee allows us to take care of your needs in the way that makes the most sense.
What if I want lab tests?
You will need to pay for each lab test. However, these costs will be lower than you will typically find at insurance based clinics. A set of lab tests typically done with an annual physical would cost around $20-$30 (compared to $600 – $800 at typically billed rates). We will discuss the prices with you on an individual basis. You then choose what you want.
What if I have a high deductible insurance policy, or am a member of a cost sharing Co-op?
Then you are a perfect match for Mid-Valley DPC. Those plans cover the major unexpected expenses, giving you peace of mind. But now with the addition of much lower daily costs with Mid-Valley DPC, you can afford to get routine healthcare. This is much better than simply having catastrophic coverage, while not being able to afford and thus avoiding routine care.
Is Mid-Valley DPC owned or controlled by any type of big business or insurance company?
No. We are a locally owned small business. This is really the strength of the concept. We are not owned, nor do we accept payment from, any insurance or other 3rd party. We do not work for them. Therefore, we are free to work for you. There is no outside entity controlling the practice, and we have removed the middlemen! We simply offer you freedom and choice.
Can I be a member if I have typical insurance coverage?
Yes. However we will not bill them. Remember, the reason we are able to offer you such dramatically lower pricing is precisely because we don’t waste valuable resources dealing with 3rd parties – we deal direct with you!
Does the monthly fee cover imaging tests?
No. However, we work with Salem Radiology Consultants and Advanced Imaging to offer very competitive prices for X-rays ($40-$50), CT scans ($200 – $400), MRI’s ($300 – $500), etc. You get high quality imaging at free market pricing.
Does the monthly fee cover specialty care?
No. The fee covers the broad range of primary care we are able to provide in face to face or phone/text visits.
Is Direct Primary Care (DPC) a form of insurance?
No. It is just a cleaner, more direct and transparent way to pay for primary care. It is direct in that you pay directly for the costs you incur. No middle men, no insurance company, no complicated bill. It is transparent in that all prices are clear and discussed with you up front. You can actually be an informed free market consumer.
DPC FAQs
Is DPC a good value?
Value is a subjective term – only you can answer that. I believe the easiest way to judge value is to first evaluate the quality, then determine the cost. An exclusive concierge clinic would be the best quality, but at high cost. To some that may be the best value.
DPC allows more relaxed visits with your MD (typical visits are 30 min), while costing less than a visit with a mid-level provider in a typical insurance based clinic. I believe that translates to a high value.
A typical insurance based clinic usually has less availability with your own private physician, along with an increasing use of non physicians. However, the cost is significantly higher than DPC. Much of this cost is consumed by the bureaucratic process of working to please a 3rd party payor rather than the patient. Another significant factor to consider is the reduced costs of obtaining lab tests and advanced imaging (CT’s and MRI’s as a DPC member. You are free to judge the value of the various options for yourself.Who is really in charge when it comes to healthcare?
Like anything else, whoever actually pays the bill. For those with typical 3rd party plans, that means either the insurance company or the government is really in charge. With DPC, you are able to make decisions for yourself with the guidance of your personal physician. No one else is involved.
Can I receive care by phone, and not need to make a trip in to the office?
Yes. For appropriate issues this is more efficient for both of us. If a simple phone visit is appropriate, we can save you a lot of time for dealing with a simple problem. If a face to face visit is required, we will let you know. Your monthly fee allows us to take care of your needs in the way that makes the most sense.
What if I want lab tests?
You will need to pay for each lab test. However, these costs will be lower than you will typically find at insurance based clinics. A set of lab tests typically done with an annual physical would cost around $20-$30 (compared to $600 – $800 at typically billed rates). We will discuss the prices with you on an individual basis. You then choose what you want.
What if I have a high deductible insurance policy, or am a member of a cost sharing Co-op?
Then you are a perfect match for Mid-Valley DPC. Those plans cover the major unexpected expenses, giving you peace of mind. But now with the addition of much lower daily costs with Mid-Valley DPC, you can afford to get routine healthcare. This is much better than simply having catastrophic coverage, while not being able to afford and thus avoiding routine care.
Is Mid-Valley DPC owned or controlled by any type of big business or insurance company?
No. We are a locally owned small business. This is really the strength of the concept. We are not owned, nor do we accept payment from, any insurance or other 3rd party. We do not work for them. Therefore, we are free to work for you. There is no outside entity controlling the practice, and we have removed the middlemen! We simply offer you freedom and choice.
Can I be a member if I have typical insurance coverage?
Yes. However we will not bill them. Remember, the reason we are able to offer you such dramatically lower pricing is precisely because we don’t waste valuable resources dealing with 3rd parties – we deal direct with you!
Does the monthly fee cover imaging tests?
No. However, we work with Salem Radiology Consultants and Advanced Imaging to offer very competitive prices for X-rays ($40-$50), CT scans ($200 – $400), MRI’s ($300 – $500), etc. You get high quality imaging at free market pricing.
Does the monthly fee cover specialty care?
No. The fee covers the broad range of primary care we are able to provide in face to face or phone/text visits.
Is Direct Primary Care (DPC) a form of insurance?
No. It is just a cleaner, more direct and transparent way to pay for primary care. It is direct in that you pay directly for the costs you incur. No middle men, no insurance company, no complicated bill. It is transparent in that all prices are clear and discussed with you up front. You can actually be an informed free market consumer.