Direct Primary Care vs. Concierge
Dr. Jessica Mendelsohn established New South Family Medicine and MedSpa so she could provide Direct Primary Care, also known as DPC, without the interference of a "middleman
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We do not bill or accept insurance for our services, resulting in transparent and affordable costs. Our goal is to provide personalized, convenient, and exceptional healthcare. DPC is an increasingly popular care model that prioritizes the doctor-patient relationship while reducing the costs and limitations often associated with traditional practices that work with insurance companies.
At New South Family Medicine and MedSpa, you will pay your doctor directly on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, without any hidden fees or complicated invoices. Unlike most Family Physicians who have patient panels of 2,500 to 4,000, our DPC physicians maintain smaller patient numbers in the hundreds. This means that you will have more relaxed visits, without feeling rushed, and easier access to appointments and refills. Additionally, our doctors personally respond to your questions when you need assistance. Imagine having a doctor who has the time to focus on YOU instead of paperwork.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Membership Fee:
In both direct primary care and concierge medicine, there is an enrollment fee. In Direct Primary Care, this is a one-time administrative fee, usually between $75-$300. In a concierge model, this is generally over $1000 and can be paid annually. In Direct Primary Care, members usually pay a monthly fee to include all of their visits throughout the course of the year. Concierge practice visits are usually billed through insurance and, therefore subject to market prices. At New South Family Medicine and MedSpa, having a Direct Primary Care model, there is no Health Insurance, service fees, or third-party billing.
What the Membership Fee Covers:
In concierge medicine, the annual fee covers enrollment at the practice. Sometimes a comprehensive physical is a routine yearly benefit. Physical exam screening tests that go beyond what traditional insurance or a government program would support, may be paid out of pocket by patients. In contrast, the Direct Primary Care membership fee generally covers all patient visits throughout the year. Most Direct Primary Care physicians include an annual physical membership fee.
Cost:
Concierge medicine membership fees tend to be higher than Direct Primary Care membership fees. Direct Primary Care membership fees are usually priced on a sliding scale, where younger patients pay less than older patients (assuming more complex). Sometimes family rates are available. The Direct Primary Care physicians at New South Family Medicine and MedSpa have secured low rates for labs and medications, passing the wholesale prices to patients. In concierge, these are typically billed through insurance, so rates are comparable to market prices.
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Third-Party Payers:
Most traditional concierge medicine physicians continue to accept insurance plans and government programs, and patient visits are billed traditionally in addition to their membership fees. In DPC, the doctor does not accept third-party reimbursements. The membership fees paid by the patient cover all office visits for the duration of the membership.
INCLUDED IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Annual Physical Exam, including well GYN and labs:
We will provide a yearly physical and wellness exam with your membership at New South Family Medicine and MedSpa. Your basic lab work for this visit will include a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic testing (liver, kidney tests, blood sugar), fasting cholesterol, and thyroid testing. The total cost to you for these labs is less than $20.00.
We will discuss all of the appropriate screening tests for your age and will refer to this testing when appropriate. For women, your pelvic exam is included if appropriate, based on screening guidelines. If a Pap test is indicated, it will be sent to the pathologist to be read at a discounted rate.
A pediatric well check will also be included in your child’s membership at New South Family Medicine and MedSpa. We are not able to offer immunizations at this time and will help arrange this for you. Please note, that we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics and Family Medicine guidelines for ALL pediatric and adult immunization recommendations and schedules.
Extended, relaxed visits:
We schedule patients every 30-60 minutes. This will give us the time necessary to address all of your concerns at each visit. We will do our best to accommodate same-day or next-day visits when possible! We want to be available to you when you need us.
Up-to-date telecommunications:
At New South Family Medicine and MedSpa we will be available to you via visit, phone, text, email, and Zoom. Many common medical issues can be handled via telecommunications – when this is appropriate, we can save you a visit. After business hours, phone calls should be limited to URGENT needs. We may be with our loved ones, at a T ball game, jogging, or sleeping. Don’t hesitate to send that email or text when you need to though! Refill requests, lab results, and non-urgent questions will be returned early on the next business day.
Significantly discounted labs/imaging:
New South Family Medicine and MedSpa has vendors that discount medication prices, we also have teamed up with LabCorp for heavily discounted lab prices. Bloodwork will be drawn at their outpatient sites – this can be billed to your insurance as usual or you can take advantage of the discounted cash pricing available through our office. Totally up to you. We are working on discounted imaging prices – stay tuned.
