FAQ

WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE (DPC)?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model that enables doctors to deliver high-quality care to their patients for a low monthly fee. By cutting out the middleman—insurance—DPC allows doctors to focus entirely on their patients without the administrative burden or restrictions imposed by insurance companies. This approach fosters a stronger doctor-patient relationship, enabling physicians to provide personalized, comprehensive care plans that are tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring that care decisions are made based on the patient’s best interests, not insurance guidelines.

 

WHAT AGE RANGE OF PATIENTS DO YOU ACCEPT?

We typically see patients aged 18 and above. For more details, please refer to our membership pricing information.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP?

 

DOES DIRECT PRIMARY CARE HAVE HIDDEN FEES?

No, we strive to be as transparent with our fees as possible. While most services are included in the membership, some may require an additional fee. Rest assured, you will always know the cost of any service beforehand.


We also do our best to provide low-cost options for services performed outside of our clinic, though we cannot guarantee pricing for those services.

 

DO YOU CHARGE AN ENROLLMENT FEE?

Yes, there is a one-time charge of $99.

 

WHEN ARE FEES DUE?

Membership fees are due either monthly or annually, depending on your selection.

 

HOW IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE DIFFERENT THAN TRADITIONAL FAMILY OR GERIATRIC MEDICINE?

Your medical care is delivered by one doctor across multiple settings for your convenience. If you have a question about symptoms, you can call, email, or see the provider the same day or next day. For more complex or specialized issues, we can refer you immediately—no need for the dreaded 'prior authorization.'


DPC (Direct Primary Care) is more personal and tailored to your health needs, eliminating insurance processes and protocols that often delay the care you deserve. This patient-oriented approach allows for more time with your doctor and reduces the need for unnecessary medications, specialists, ER visits, or hospital stays.


With DPC, physician-patient interactions aren't limited to just one preventive or wellness visit per year. Since visits are prepaid, you can access care as often as needed, without restrictions.


WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?

Direct Primary Care believes that your medical care is a partnership between you and your doctor. With Direct Primary Care, you have unlimited access to your doctor through phone, email, text, or in-person visits. Even if you have concerns after hours, on weekends, or during vacations and holidays, it’s okay! Your doctor will assess your concern and create the best plan to address your medical needs.


You can typically be seen within 24-48 hours (with some exceptions).

 

I DON’T GO TO THE DOCTOR VERY OFTEN, IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE FOR ME?

Yes, Direct Primary Care (DPC) is not just for patients who need frequent appointments. Our primary goal is to be there when you need us most and to keep you healthy. Whether you need care a few times a month or just a couple of times a year, we are here for you. With same-day or next-day appointments, DPC can help reduce unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room. In fact, one ER visit can often cost more than a full year's membership with Direct Primary Care.

 

IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE HEALTH INSURANCE?

No, Direct Primary Care is not insurance. It provides high-quality healthcare directly between the doctor and the patient. However, we highly recommend maintaining some form of health insurance for emergencies and specialist visits.

 

CAN I SUBMIT CLAIMS TO MY INSURANCE FOR REIMBURSEMENT?

No, Direct Primary Care fees cannot be submitted to insurance for reimbursement, as our clinic does not use or bill insurance. Therefore, we cannot provide statements or billing codes for insurance submission.

 

DOES EAST WEST DPC MANAGE CHRONIC PAIN?

Yes and no. We strive to take a more natural approach to managing pain rather than prescribing pain medications whenever possible. Chronic pain medications have strict prescribing guidelines that must be followed, as these medications (narcotics/opioids) are regulated and closely monitored to adhere to the guidelines set by the CDC and DEA. 


Patients with chronic pain who require narcotics for treatment are encouraged to seek a pain specialist, who is better equipped to manage these types of medications. If you have any questions, we encourage you to speak with your doctor.

 

CAN I CANCEL MY MEMBERSHIP?

Yes, we require that you commit to at least 3 months of care with East West DPC when you sign the patient agreement. However, if you feel that Direct Primary Care isn’t right for you after that period, you may cancel your membership. 


Please note that if you cancel your membership and later choose to re-enroll, a $250 re-enrollment fee will apply.