Under the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, the patient (you) receives comprehensive primary health care directly from your DPC physician. The patient pays for this care through a monthly fee, paid directly to your doctor.

Because DPC practices do not participate in any insurance or plans, the providers are able to avoid the ever-increasing and costly documentation demands and administrative intrusions that come with accepting insurance that require staff, time, and money.

Because DPC physicians avoid these obligations to insurance companies, they are free to spend that time listening to and treating patients. A typical physician in a traditional insurance-based fee-for-service practice has 1,500 to 3,000 patients - at Skyline Family Medicine, Dr. Way will see a maximum of 300 patients, which means more attention and better care for you.

Finally, because DPC physicians eliminate the significant overhead costs of participating in insurance, they can pass the savings on to you, the patient – and give compassionate, attentive and timely care at an affordable cost.

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WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE VIDEO FOR PATIENTS>

No. Concierge practices charge monthly or annual fees in addition to billing your insurance, and their fees often cost thousands of dollars. Concierge practices also have co-pays and unexpected fees. Concierge practices offer similar benefits as those offered by DPC practices, such as extended office visits and after-hours access by phone, text or email. For this reason, DPC has qualified as “concierge care for all”, since the overall pricing is affordable to many patients.

Here is a brief video that explains the difference between primary care and concierge practices.

At Skyline Family Medicine, you join and pay a flat monthly fee, similar to a subscription to a gym.

As one of Dr. Way’s patients, you can see her frequently, with no co-pays or co-insurance. Because she has a few hundred patients instead of thousands, you get the relationship, attention and care of a real family physician.

The DPC model allows us to keep our costs low and affordable. With no co-pays and reduced prices for some labs, images and prescriptions, patients can save money with a DPC practice. See our membership prices here.

The Direct Primary Care model facilitates a close relationship between the patient and their physicians, without having insurance companies get in the middle.

Skyline Family Medicine does not bill insurance, allowing Dr. Way to work with a smaller number of patients and have a closer relationship with them.

Your insurance can still be used for labs, imaging and more complicated medical issues. Skyline has negotiated with labs and other medical partners for significant savings which are passed along to patients.

For many patients with insurance plans that have deductibles, patients can save money.

Current tax law does not allow HSA funds to be used for DPC memberships. HSA funds can be used for any labs, imaging, therapies, specialists or other ancillary health or medical services. Procedures that Dr. Way performs can also be covered by HSA funds.

DPC is not insurance, and although you may be able to get all or most of your healthcare needs met by your primary care physician, health insurance is still recommended in case of unexpected medical expenses, such as hospitalization or major surgery.

A high-deductible “catastrophic” insurance plan, especially with a health savings account (HSA), pairs well with DPC and may result in significant cost savings. (Be sure to discuss with your HSA administrator whether you can use an HSA to pay for a membership.)

Yes. However, your monthly membership fee cannot be submitted to Medicare for reimbursement.

Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance will still cover medical costs that you incur outside of Skyline Family Medicine. For example, prescriptions that you fill at an outside pharmacy, or labs run at an outside lab, or hospital charges, physical therapy, x-rays and scans are covered, just to name a few. You do not lose your Medicare coverage for other medical needs just because you are a patient of Skyline Family Medicine.

Health insurance is not healthcare.

Investing in a relationship with a primary care physician is the best way to achieve optimal health and wellness and save money through prevention and early detection.

Most DPC patients save 50% or more on healthcare, regardless of whether or not they have health insurance.

A better question is “How can you afford health insurance without Direct Primary Care?”

It’s wonderful that you’re healthy, and the best way to maintain your excellent health is through partnership with a primary care physician.

Many healthy people have health concerns which they would like to discuss with a doctor, but they don’t want to wait a month for an appointment, take off work, and pay a co-pay.

A typical DPC patient will have 2-3 office visits per year with more frequent communication via text, phone or email. They often save cash even with this lower level of visits due to our reduced lab fees, lack of co-pays, and there is no charge for office visits. This often keeps patient costs far beneath their large deductible and they get the convenience and care of a doc they know.

Dr. Way is currently accepting children between the ages of 5 and 17 and would be happy to see your whole family.

See our membership page for our Child Add-On Plan and our Family Plan.

Yes and employers experience healthier employees and fewer claims with direct primary care.

For most businesses, the second largest expense behind payroll is their employees health benefits. This cost currently increases by an average of 9% each year. Our employee membership plan will provide your employees with health care instead of just sick care.

Our model offers them a doc at their fingertips via clinic, text or phone. The flat monthly fee ensures that there are no copays or barriers to care. When they need care or have a question, they can be seen by a doctor they know.

Studies reflect that direct primary care results in 59% fewer ER visits, patients spend 30% fewer days admitted to the hospital, are referred to specialists 62% less often, have 65% fewer radiology exams and 80% fewer surgeries.

Estimated saving are typically around $250 per member per month for health care expenses. With these promising statistics, you will know your employees are well cared for and your number one resource, your employees, thrive.

Here is a short video about DPC for employers.

Membership and Services includes:

• Extended Visit times (30-60 minute visits)

• Annual Comprehensive Physical Exams

• Preventative Care including nutritional counseling, weight loss, and smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, lifestyle guidance, well child checks and school physicals.

• When needed for urgent medical concerns, in-office visits typically available same or next business day with Dr. Way

• Treatment is available by phone or telemedicine when medically appropriate.

• Management of chronic conditions and medications (excluding controlled substances)

• Acute Care for illness and injuries (excluding Emergency Care)

• Virtual Visits by email, text and phone

• In-office tests including EKG, Urinalysis, Rapid Strep tests, flu tests (as long as the availability of these tests exists)

• In-clinic procedures such as incision and drainage or nebulizer treatment

• Amazing lab discounts (up to 95% savings). Those with Medicare, Medicaid, or traditional insurance may bill their insurance for labs instead if they wish.

• Reduced costs for imaging

• Minor office procedures are largely covered such as laceration repair with stitches or skin glue; shoulder, knee, and hip bursa injections; removal of skin tags ($50 fee applies) Freezing of warts ($25 fee per wart applies) These fees cover our supply costs.

• Secure electronic communication with your physician via the patient portal and option of communication with your physician via phone, text, and email

• Evening, weekend, and holiday phone visits for urgent medical needs ($25 fee applies)

• After Hours Office Visits and Home Visits for an additional fee per the discretion of Dr. Way.

• Integrative Medicine Expertise - Dr. Way completed a fellowship in integrative medicine.

• Yoga therapy - Dr. Way is certified yoga teacher and yoga therapist.