What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Direct primary care is a healthcare model focused on putting the patient first. That means treating you when you need it, never rushing through appointments, and being proactive with healthcare treatment plans. The doctor-patient relationship is just as the name suggests – direct. Direct primary care practices don’t accept insurance; rather we work directly with the patient. All your primary care needs are covered with an affordable monthly fee – there are no copays or coinsurance.

Is DPC the same as Concierge medicine?

 No.  There are some similarities such as longer visits and better access to your physician. Concierge practices generally also bill your insurance. I do not wish to have any relationship with your insurance - only you.

Does MFFM take insurance or Medicare?

No. MFFM does not accept any health insurance, including Medicare. Do you use your car insurance when you need an oil change or to fill your car with gas? Why use health insurance for a service that can be provided by your doctor for a lower price? I am forgoing insurance payments in order to save my patients from the intrusive decisions made by insurers and to save me (and my time) from bureaucracy/paperwork.  Furthermore, the direct nature of the DPC model frees me from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians in traditional practice from offering wholesale prices on lab tests and imaging.

Can I sign up with MFFM if I have Medicare?

Yes. You do need to sign a waiver declaring that neither you nor I will bill Medicare for my services. Medicare PPOs (not HMOs or Advantage plans) will still cover most laboratory testing, imaging, medications or hospitalizations ordered by me.

Do I need to have insurance?

HIGHLY Recommended. There are certain types of care that I cannot provide for you, such as surgery and hospital stays, and you would still benefit from having insurance to cover those emergency situations. I suggest you opt for a lower-cost, higher-deductible plan that would still offer you coverage, but would lower your monthly premium. PPOs will generally pay for labs and imaging I order, but HMOs will generally NOT. I also suggest pairing this with a Health Savings Account to save for those catastrophic events, which should be few and far between. With Direct Primary Care, you would not need to worry about meeting a deductible since you will not need it for any of the care I provide for you. This can ultimately save you quite a bit of money.

Can I use my insurance to pay for medications, specialists, imaging?

Yes, if you have a PPO. I encourage all of my patients to have insurance in addition to their DPC membership to help cover the costs of emergency room visits, surgeries, and  hospitalizations. Your insurance may also help cover the costs of some medications and diagnostic studies, although I will work with you to find the most affordable option for any treatment that I recommend.  

How do I contact the doctor?

You can contact Dr. Fisher via the patient portal (best), phone, text, e-mail, or in person at the office. I do request that after-hours phone calls/texts be limited to urgent questions or concerns, but I am available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for your convenience.

What about after hours emergencies?

Once you are enrolled, I will give you instructions on how to contact me after hours if needed.