
FAQS
You’ve Got Questions - We've Got Answers
WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by getting rid of the red tape that constrains traditional practices. How? It's simple: we don't accept insurance, and – believe it or not – this actually saves you money in the long run.
HOW WILL THIS SAVE ME MONEY?
You won't have to pay a co-pay for office visits or routine physicals. Also you'll be able to avoid many visits altogether by sending your questions directly to us via email and text – something you won't get from a traditional practice. We've negotiated amazing deals for prescription medications, blood tests, X-rays, and MRI/CT scans on your behalf. If we had contracts with insurance companies, we would be legally obligated to charge higher prices.
More importantly, since you are getting all this amazing care from us, you can cut way back on your insurance premiums. Most DPC patients find a high-deductible, low-premium insurance plan so they're covered in the case of a major health issue. But leave the rest of your healthcare to us.
WILL I BENEFIT FROM DIRECT PRIMARY CARE IF I DON’T REQUIRE FREQUENT MEDICAL ATTENTION?
Of course. Everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. We’re here for you if you're sick or hurt, but we also help you proactively maintain good overall health. Every visit with us will be thorough, relaxed, and as long as you need to address your health concerns. The longer you're our patient, the more we learn about your health and lifestyle, and the better we can help you maintain that health.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
Thankfully, No.  Insurance has a place in managing serious health issues, but not in everyday health care. We forgo insurance reimbursements in order to save our patients from the arbitrary and intrusive decisions that inevitably occur with third-party payers and enable us to spend the time needed to provide a superior care experience. Declining insurance also frees us from the typical contractual agreements that would prevent us from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications to our patients.
DO YOU SEE PATIENTS OF ALL AGES?
Yes, Family Tree Primary Care would love to take care of your whole family. We see all ages, including infants and elderly.
CAN I STILL BE A PATIENT EVEN IF I HAVE INSURANCE?
Certainly! Many patients keep their traditional insurance to cover any catastrophic events but are able to increase their deductible to save money even with their monthly membership fee included. Switching to a health care sharing ministry is also a great option. We have a free insurance specialist available to help you determine the best course of action for your family's insurance needs. Let us know if you'd like his contact info.
WHAT WILL BE INCLUDED WITH MY MEMBERSHIP FEE?
With your membership you will receive elite concierge type care. Patients will have enhanced access to their doctor including same or next sick visits and extended appointment times. You will even be able to consult with your physician virtually via email, phone, or video chat, when you want, how you want.  In addition some other included benefits are annual well-woman exam and well-child visits, school physicals, chronic disease management, wound care, minor lesion and growth removals, laceration repair, joint injections, abscess drainage, family planning counseling, sports physicals, preventative care procedures and much, much more. You will also receive highly discounted costs on medications, labs and imaging. As a primary care practice we are able to provide 90% of the health care you will ever require.
WHAT IF I NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION WHILE I’M AWAY FROM HOME?
In the age of technology, many conditions can be diagnosed and treated via a simple conversation by phone, email, or video chat. If appropriate, your doctor will locate the nearest pharmacy and order medication most suited for your circumstance. If you need to go to the hospital or seek other medical attention while away from home, we can advise you on that as well.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?
FORBES: Direct Primary Care: Restoring The Doctor-Patient Relationship
American Academy of Family Physicians Direct Primary Care
WRAL Patients Pay Monthly Fee, Not Insurance Co-Pay to See Raleigh Physician