Direct Primary Care

What iS Direct Primary Care?

Direct primary care, or DPC for short, is a simple idea that solves a very complex problem.


The idea is simple.  Take all the worst parts about healthcare in America — insurance companies and their mountains of paperwork, greedy corporate hospital systems that don't care about patient satisfaction, and all the shadowy middlemen trying to eliminate price transparency.


The system we have is highly flawed. The shortage of Physicians is getting worse but there are more administrators and cooperations than ever before. I know first hand that doctors are being pushed to see more patients in less time in practically every healthcare setting that relies on the current health insurance and fee-for-service system. In other words, in order to practice within the system widely available we are forced to choose between time with patients and making a living while still having a life.


DPC is different.


As a DPC patient, you forge a relationship with a doctor that knows you. No more scheduling months in advance; your DPC doctor is readily available because they're livelihood doesn't depend on trying to care for thousands of patients. If you need an in-person visit, you can usually book one the very next business day. Your doctor will stay on top of your health.


How is this possible? By cutting insurance out of the picture. Insurance is fundamentally incompatible with providing comprehensive, compassionate care. When a doctor bills your insurance, they are forced to submit an itemized list of each and every medical service they provided.

 If they don't, they won't get paid. But—surprise, surprise—no insurance company will pay a doctor for answering one of your texts, reminding you to avoid red meat, answering on the first ring when you call, opening the door for you when you arrive at the office, or asking about your family!



In DPC, you pay a flat monthly membership fee, usually around the size of your cell phone bill. You can pay with your credit card—no more clipboards with pages of insurance paperwork.


FAQS

Here are answers to some common questions. 

  • How do I get an appointment?

    Use the contact links here or send me an email at drshivers15@gmail.com. I'll send you back some information and we can schedule a call to see if Abundant is a good fit for your healthcare needs. 

  • Do you take insurance?

    No. Due to the complexity of the insurance system and my belief that they have an unfair influence on the medical care of patients I will not participate in any insurance plans via the Abundant Health platform. Please see above for more details.  

  • How much does it cost?

    About $60 per month for most individuals. Family plans and other special circumstances may be available on a case-by-case basis. 

  • Do you have any employees?

    Nope. Its just me for now. The good news is that significantly simplifies the process of getting the business going. The bad news is that means that I don't have anyone to answer phone calls or emails. I promise to do my best in the meantime. Thank you for your patience and understanding!  

  • What about labs, referrals, and medications?

    At this time the plan will be to handle this with e-prescribing. Drugs should be covered by insurance as usual and I will be happy to attempt prior authorizations when appropriate. I will probably be doing referrals the good old fashioned way with fax and phone initially. Lab orders can be printed or emailed to the patient to be taken to the lab of their choice. I plan in the future to work with local labs to hopefully offer some deeply discounted cash prices as well. 

  • When can we start?

    Send me a message. Space is very limited due to the level of time and commitment I make with each patient and other endeavors. I will be enrolling new patients when space and time allows. 

  • What about Medicare and Medicaid plans?

    At this time I will be unable to see these patients. Due to Medicare regulations in order for me to care for a patient with CMS based insurance I must opt out of Medicare. This is a process that takes months and is very difficult to reverse. It is something I will consider moving forward but unfortunately in the meantime I cannot legally provide simple cash based services for these patients. 

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