Frequently Asked Questions
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Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers a patient-focused alternative to traditional, insurance-based healthcare. In a DPC practice, your doctor works directly for you, not the insurance companies, which means your care is personal, unrushed, and tailored to your needs. With a simple monthly membership, you have direct access to your doctor through longer, more meaningful in-person visits, phone calls, video chats, or even text messages.
There are no co-pays, no deductibles, and no surprise bills to worry about—just straightforward, affordable care. Most of the time, you can schedule same-day or next-day appointments, so you get the help you need without waiting. It’s healthcare the way it should be: simple, personal, and there for you when you need it most.
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Our practice is here to support your health and well-being, helping you feel your best every day through personalized, proactive care. We believe that good health is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself and your loved ones.
By having regular, easy access to your primary care doctor, we can catch and address concerns early—often preventing the need for urgent care or emergency room visits. Whether it’s a quick question or a more in-depth consultation, we’re just a phone call, text, email, or virtual visit away. We're here to make your healthcare simple, accessible, and centered on you
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We understand that plans can change. If you need to reschedule an appointment, please notify our office at your earliest convenience. While there are no penalties for cancellations, letting us know helps us provide better care and accommodate others who may need an appointment.
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We don’t accept insurance (except for Medicare Part B) because our focus is entirely on providing you with the best care possible, without the limitations and complications of insurance. This allows us to spend more time with you, providing you personalized care. You’ll never have to worry about co-pays, deductibles, or surprise bills—just clear, upfront pricing.
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It's understandable to question the need for a direct primary care (DPC) membership when you're already paying for health insurance. However, DPC offers a level of care and convenience that insurance-based medicine often struggles to provide. Even with good insurance, you might encounter high deductibles, limited access to your PCP, and out-of-pocket expenses for certain services. A DPC membership can fill these gaps, offering affordable, direct access to quality care without worrying about hidden costs.
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Yes, a membership with Meristem Family Medicine is not a replacement for health insurance. While our membership covers your primary care needs, we strongly recommend that you maintain supplemental health insurance to protect yourself in case of emergencies, specialist visits, or hospitalizations.
Think of it this way: our practice focuses on providing personalized, accessible care for your day-to-day and preventative health needs. Insurance acts as a safety net for the unexpected—like surgeries, hospital stays, or specialized treatments that go beyond what we provide in our office.
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No, please schedule on the app, call, or text for same day appointments
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All emergencies should be handled with 911 or in the emergency room. Members will be given several methods to contact our team for urgent or non urgent matters.
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Please give 30 days notice in writing (email, text system, portal) for monthly memberships. Annual memberships will not be refunded.
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We currently do not provide care to children 0-12.
We are a primary care clinic, and there may be conditions or situations that are better addressed by a specialist or an emergency department. If that’s the case, we will work hard to facilitate that connection for you.
Lab work can be completed at any Quest Diagnostics location. Please note that I do not provide inpatient hospital care. If you require hospitalization, your care will be managed by a hospitalist team. However, I will remain in communication with both you and the hospital team to ensure they have all the necessary information to provide the best care possible.
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