FAQs
"What is DPC"
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by getting rid of the red tape by which most other traditional practices are restricted.
"Does Access To Care accept health insurance?"
No we do not. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your provider. We see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your family’s care. We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payers. Furthermore, this direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent providers from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.
"Does Access To Care provide LGBTQIA+ individuals with the respectful and affirming care?"
We celebrate diversity and provide inclusive, affirming healthcare for all, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
"As a patient of Access To Care, will I still need insurance?"
Yes. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. We’re happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.
“If I have Medicare, can I still join Access To Care, P.A.?”
Yes. You need only sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor your provider will directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by our office.
“Can I contact my provider after hours? And how?”
Absolutely! Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call your provider any day, at any hour. We invite you to arrange for home visits, schedules permitting. If you prefer, you may also use our secure patient portal to access your medical record and then e-mail your provider. It’s how we do custom healthcare.
“Is my membership to Access To Care tax deductible?”
Unfortunately, no. Your retainer is not yet defined as a “medical expense” in most states and as such is not deductible. Please confer with your tax consultant to clarify tax consequences in your particular circumstance.
“Is concierge medicine the same as Direct Primary Care?”
The terms are often used interchangeably and essentially refer to the same principles. Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model focused on putting the patient first. That means treating them when they need it, never rushing patients through appointments, and being proactive with healthcare treatment plans. The provider-patient relationship is just as the name suggests – direct. Direct Primary Care clinics don’t accept insurance, rather they choose to work directly with the patient, providing wholesale labs, deeply discounted prescription prices, and other costs savings along the way.
“Will I benefit from Access To Care if I don’t require frequent medical attention?”
Of course. We might argue that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health, to the enhancements of your daily experience that only physical well-being can bring. We’re here for your reactive needs. But proactive healthcare is important, and we’re here for that, too.
At Access To Care, we have the gift of time. We get to spend more time with you in order to address your medical questions and or concerns. Every visit will be easygoing, thorough and relaxed in answering your questions and addressing the need of the moment. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive, intimate knowledge of your health, invaluable understanding available in no other regimen of care.
“What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?”
In providing superb care with unprecedented sorts of access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay as well as work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.
“Can children become members of Access To Care?”
Yes. We are happy to accept the children (12 to 19 years of age) of our enrolled clients. At this time, we are not able to provide routine vaccinations for young children but we will happily work with you to arrange these.
“What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home?”
Naturally we provide such care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of Access’ independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text or webcam. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.
“Are my medical records ever shared with insurance carriers or pharmaceutical companies?”
We maintain scrupulous standards of privacy. We are never obligated to provide any third party with a copy of your records unless you specifically ask that we do so.