What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct primary care is a high-value, low-cost membership-model (much like Netflix or your gym membership) applied it to health care. The center of the practice is the doctor-patient relationship and a commitment to delivering the right care at the right time.

Why charge a membership fee?

The membership fee allows us to provide the vast majority of a person’s primary care in an innovative way for a simple, fixed price. It allows members to better anticipate and budget their healthcare finances without the extra costs, co-pays, and deductibles.

Is this like concierge medicine?

A little, but without the high price tag. We provide concierge level service to all memberships but try to make things affordable for all incomes, with or without insurance. Traditionally, concierge models will bill your insurance for services on top of your membership fee. We don’t do that. Your membership encompasses your cost of care.

Do you accept insurance?

No. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct relationship between you and your doctor. Better care can be delivered more affordably by separating primary care from the regulations of insurance that restricts other traditional practices. We see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your family’s care, so we are eliminating the third wheel (insurance). By eliminating contractual agreements of insurance, we can offer wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications to pass those savings on to you.

As a patient of Direct Primary Care of Oklahoma, do I still need insurance?

We are an independent, alternative way to receive your primary health care, not a substitute for health insurance. We encourage, but do not require, our members to carry some type of health insurance policy to ensure financial help in case of unexpected, expensive health events such as hospitalization or major surgery. We do not believe that insurance is bad. Insurance is a tool that should be used for the right type of job - to cover the large unexpected events. We’d be happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.

Why would I pay “extra” if I already have insurance?

We do not think of our services as “extra”; rather an independent, alternative and better way to do your primary care. Most members can save money when combining the Direct Primary Care of Oklahoma membership with a high-deductible health insurance or medical cost sharing plan (vs. standard low-deductible/“co-pay” insurance plans).

Do I really get unlimited visits without a co-pay?

Yes! We realize that there will be times when you need to see us more frequently. We believe you deserve to receive the care you need without worrying about extra costs, co-pays, or deductibles.

Are there any extra costs?

We provide most care to members without any extra costs. All members have access to many diagnostic tests (strep, EKG, urine dipstick, etc.) for no charge at all. We provide prices upfront for non-covered services. For non-covered labs, we offer significantly discount wholesale prices, typically 50-90% less than insurance based prices. Check out our pricing page or contact us with specific questions. We are committed to upfront pricing of all of our services.

What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?

With the increased access and attention you receive as a member of Direct Primary Care of Oklahoma, we seek to prevent hospitalization and reduce specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are necessary, we will coordinate that care for you and work closely with your specialist and/or hospitalist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on a specialist to work along side us in managing your treatment.

Will I benefit from Direct Primary Care of Oklahoma if I don’t require frequent medical attention?

Absolutely! Our primary goal is to design health care that works for each individual. First and foremost our care is preventive, holistic care that focuses on maintaining your good health and enriching your life. This type of comprehensive care is only achieved through an intimate knowledge of your health. When you’re not sick, you don’t know how much health care you’ll need or when, but you know you will need it at some point. You’ll want it from a provider you trust, but you also don’t want to be worried about the price. In sickness and in health, we are there for you.