Frequently Asked Questions

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based healthcare model where patients pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited access to their primary care physician. This model removes the hassles of insurance, allowing for longer appointments, direct communication with your doctor, and more personalized care.

DPC offers:
✔ Unrushed, longer visits – More time with your doctor to discuss your health.
✔ Same-day or next-day appointments – No waiting weeks for an appointment.
✔ No copays, no surprise bills – Transparent and predictable costs for primary care.
✔ Direct access to your doctor – Text, call, or video chat when needed.
✔ A focus on prevention & wellness – Comprehensive care beyond just treating symptoms.

No. While both models offer personalized care and direct physician access, concierge medicine typically bills insurance AND charges an additional retainer fee, whereas DPC does not bill insurance at all and operates solely on an affordable monthly membership.

No, DPC is not the same as health insurance. DPC is a healthcare model, not an insurance plan. You still need health insurance for hospitalizations, surgeries, and specialist care. Think of DPC as an affordable way to access primary care without the middleman.

DPC covers all of your primary care needs, but you should still have insurance for major medical events like hospitalizations, surgeries, and emergencies. Many members pair DPC with a high-deductible or cost-sharing plan for catastrophic coverage.

In the DPC model, we provide care to our members without the restrictions and frustrations associated with insurance. We will not file a claim with your insurance which means you will not need to pay a copay for your visit.

Yes! Medicare patients can join Empowered Health DPC, but due to federal regulations, it's important to understand that:

• Medicare will not pay for your DPC membership.

• We will NOT submit a claim to Medicare, and you should not attempt to get Medicare to cover the cost of your DPC membership.

• You can still use your Medicare benefits for specialists, hospitalizations, imaging, and prescriptions.

  
  

• Enjoy longer visits, direct physician access, and a more personalized approach that Medicare-based clinics often can’t provide due to insurance constraints.

At Empowered Health DPC, I use a variety of tools to help you navigate any diagnosis. As a family medicine physician, I am trained in comprehensive, evidence-based care across a broad range of conditions. My most valuable tool is time—time to listen, understand your concerns, research the best treatment options, and provide you with the highest level of personalized care.

I also have access to a number of platforms that allows me to collaborate with board-certified specialists, including psychiatrists, dermatologists, cardiologists, and orthopedic experts. If your case requires additional expertise, I can securely share your symptoms, medical history, and any diagnostic work (labs, imaging) with these specialists at no extra cost to you—giving us quick expert guidance without unnecessary referrals or delays.

If you have PPO insurance, I can refer you to any specialist within your network. If you are uninsured, we can utilize specialists, such as cardiologists, ophthalmologists, and dermatologists, who offer transparent cash pricing for their services.

If you have an HMO insurance plan, I can attempt to facilitate a referral to a specialist within your network. However, HMO referrals often require approval from your designated primary care physician (PCP), and many are denied by HMO administrators. In those cases, you would need to visit the PCP listed on your insurance card for a formal referral. If needed, I can provide a detailed letter explaining the medical necessity of the referral to support your request.

My goal is to ensure you receive the best possible care—whether through in-depth consultations, virtual specialist input, or direct referrals—while minimizing barriers and delays in your treatment.