Question 1

What is Direct Primary Care?

Accepted Answer

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a newer model of medicine that provides accessible, affordable, evidence-based, high-quality care. A DPC practice does not contract with any insurance plans. Instead, patients pay a low monthly membership fee which covers their services from the DPC practice. This fee includes many things such as unlimited office visits, in-office procedures, and allows for certain other benefits such as lower out-of pocket costs for labs and imaging. Most DPC practices also provide increased access to the physician, and provide flexibility with appointment types and scheduling.

Question 2

Will I still need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is still recommended for you to have insurance. A DPC membership is not insurance. While our office can provide care for the majority of your healthcare needs, you still need coverage in case an ER visit or hospitalization is necessary. There may also be times when a specialist needs to be involved in your care. Having insurance may be helpful for lab, imaging, and medications. Some people find it beneficial to pair a DPC membership with a low premium/high deductible plan. You can think of it like having car insurance. You pay out of pocket for routine needs such as gas and maintenance, but then use insurance for more significant repairs. Please note, if you have an HMO plan, you may be required to have an in-network primary care physician for any referrals and orders to be covered. We would be considered out-of-network. If you have an HMO and would like to join, please check with your insurance plan first.

Question 3

Can I join if I have Medicare?

Accepted Answer

At this time, we are not accepting any medicare patients due to certain Medicare guidelines. However, we anticipate being able to accept Medicare patients in the near future. If you are interested in joining and have Medicare, or will have Medicare within the next 6 months, please contact us at info@hibiscus.health to be added to our Medicare wait list.

Question 4

What if I need to be hospitalized or see a specialist?

Accepted Answer

If your condition is serious enough to require hospitalization, you can receive your care at the hospital of your choice. Your care will be provided by the hospitalist team. Upon discharge, we will coordinate your follow-up care with the hospitalist physicians.   If you need to be seen by a specialist and are uninsured, we have specialists that we work with that can provide quality care at an affordable price. If you have insurance, we can work with you to find one of our colleagues who is in your network.

Question 5

What if I want to cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

While we hope that doesn’t happen, we understand that circumstances may change. Patients may cancel with a 30 day notice. Please note, there will be a $250 re-enrollment fee if you decide to rejoin

Question 6

Can I just do a one time visit?

Accepted Answer

Forming a longterm relationship with our patients is at the core of our values. In order for this to occur, our patients need to be committed to the membership model. There are many benefits to maintaining a membership, most important being easily-accessible care when you need it by a physician you know and trust.

Question 7

What if have a problem after hours?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us at any time for urgent issues by phone.

Question 8

I only go to the doctor once a year. Why do I need a membership?

Accepted Answer

Many people find that when they have a membership, and there is no additional co-pay per visit, they are encouraged to utilize their doctor more often. Having a membership also means that you have a doctor who knows you well, and is easily accessible in case an illness does occur. In addition, our society tends to see a doctor's office as a place to go only when you are sick. In reality, a doctor is meant to guide you both in sickness and in health. Our practice has a focus on both treating disease as well as promoting wellness. Patients can schedule consults to discuss weight management, optimal nutrition, disease prevention, exercise goals, and many more.

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