What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative model being embraced across the United States. DPC practices offer a unique membership-based approach. A simple flat rate monthly fee is charged for comprehensive coverage of all primary care services. Adequate monthly fees allow practices to reduce their total number of patients, which supports a higher level of personal care. This eliminates undesired fee-for-service incentives in primary care, which can distort healthcare decision-making by rewarding volume over value.
Patients go to their primary care Doctor for all routine and preventive services like checkups, urgent care and chronic care management. Primary care, operating as it should, can address up to 90% of a patient’s healthcare needs. DPC practices can diminish dependence on more expensive parts of the system, such as specialist care, urgent care, emergency rooms, advanced imaging and hospitals. Insurance is maintained separately to cover hospitalization and more expensive specialty care when needed.
DPC has successfully controlled costs both through control of chronic illness, the reduction of administrative expenses, and decrease in urgent care and emergency room use.
An enduring and trusting relationship between a patient and doctor.
Direct Patient Relationship with One Doctor
DPC doctors generally spend more time with their patients and are free to provide care over the phone or through messaging when appropriate. The DPC model allows the physician to serve as an advocate for their patients and look for the best quality and pricing for various services needed (x-rays, medication costs, etc.)
Same Day or Next Day Appointments
Since the DPC model reduces administrative costs, it also reduces the amount of patients a physician needs to see to remain in business, which makes same day or next day appointments a reality. We leave space in our calendar each day to accommodate important last minute appointments.
Phone Consults and Emails
Since many questions or concerns don’t really require an office visit, we make communication directly with Dr Alvord as easy and convenient as possible. Dr. Alvord is easily accessible by phone and email.
Predictable Monthly Fee
There are no hidden or unanticipated charges. Most primary care services are covered by your monthly fee, and any additional charges will be discussed prior to service. There are no complex, confusing insurance bills and no middle men.
Longer Office Visits
We have a very comfortable waiting room, but don't plan on spending too much time there. We determine the necessary length of your appointment when you schedule it. Our appointments run 30-60 minutes so there's plenty of time to discuss your care, and we stay on time with our other patients.
No Co-Pays or Deductibles
Since all your appointments, including well checkups, sick visits, chronic care monitoring, and virtual consults are covered by your monthly fee, you never have to hesitate to contact your doctor. If you have a concern, we want you to be able to consult your doctor without worrying about cost.