Question 1

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Accepted Answer

Direct Primary Care is a membership-based healthcare model where patients pay a simple monthly fee directly to their physician for primary care services. This allows for longer visits, better access, and a stronger doctor-patient relationship without insurance billing for routine care.

Question 2

Is Direct Primary Care health insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. Direct Primary Care is not health insurance and does not replace insurance coverage for emergencies, hospitalizations, surgeries, or specialist care. Many patients choose to pair DPC with a high-deductible health plan or health-sharing plan.

Question 3

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Northland Health does not bill insurance for office visits or membership services. This allows for simpler pricing, longer appointments, and more personalized care. Patients may still use insurance for outside services such as labs, imaging, specialist visits, medications, and hospital care.

Question 4

How is DPC different from traditional primary care?

Accepted Answer

Traditional primary care often involves short visits, large patient panels, and limited physician access due to insurance requirements. DPC allows for smaller patient panels, longer appointments, same- or next-day availability, and direct communication with your physician.

Question 5

What services are included in my membership?

Accepted Answer

Membership commonly includes:
Preventive care visits
Sick visits
Chronic disease management
Annual wellness exams
Telemedicine visits
Direct messaging and communication
Care coordination
Same- or next-day appointments when available

Question 6

Can I contact my doctor directly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One of the biggest benefits of DPC is easier communication with your physician through phone, text, email, or secure messaging depending on practice policies.

Question 7

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

DPC practices are designed around smaller patient panels, which often allows for same-day or next-day appointments and minimal waiting.

Question 8

Are there copays?

Accepted Answer

No. Routine office visits included in your membership do not require copays or surprise billing.

Question 9

Do I still need health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most patients should still carry insurance for unexpected medical expenses such as hospitalizations, surgeries, emergency care, and specialist treatment.

Question 10

Can I use my insurance for labs and imaging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members may choose to use their insurance for outside labs and imaging services when applicable. Northland Health also offers transparent pre-set pricing for many labs and imaging services.

Question 11

Are medications included?

Accepted Answer

Many common medications may be available through in-office dispensing at transparent cash pricing. In-office dispensed medications are generally not eligible for insurance billing.

Question 12

What happens if I need a specialist?

Accepted Answer

If specialty care is needed, Dr. Greer will help coordinate referrals and communicate with specialists to ensure continuity of care.

Question 13

Do you offer telemedicine visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Telemedicine visits may be available for appropriate medical concerns and follow-up care.

Question 14

Are there long-term contracts?

Accepted Answer

No. Memberships are month-to-month with no long-term commitment required.

Question 15

Can I cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Memberships may be canceled at any time with a 30-day notice.

Question 16

Do you see children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Family medicine includes care for both children and adults.

Question 17

What if I need care after hours?

Accepted Answer

Northland Health offers improved physician access compared to traditional practices. After-hours communication options and urgent guidance may be available depending on the situation.

Question 18

What is the difference between DPC and concierge medicine?

Accepted Answer

While both models focus on personalized care and improved access, DPC is generally designed to provide affordable, transparent primary care without billing insurance or charging large annual concierge fees.

Question 19

Can I use HSA or FSA funds for my membership?

Accepted Answer

Many patients are able to use HSA or FSA funds for qualified healthcare expenses. Patients should check with their benefits administrator or tax professional regarding eligibility.

Question 20

Why do patients choose Direct Primary Care?

Accepted Answer

Patients often choose DPC because they value:
Longer appointments
Easier physician access
Personalized care
Reduced wait times
Transparent pricing
Stronger doctor-patient relationships