FAQ

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a health care model where patients pay their primary care physician directly through a monthly, quarterly, or annual membership fee. This model eliminates the need for insurance billing and the third-party requirements imposed on physician practices, allowing physicians to focus on personalized patient care.

DPC differs from traditional primary care in several ways:

• No insurance billing: Patients make direct payments to their DPC provider.
• Extended appointments: Patients typically have longer, more in-depth visits with their physician.
• Better access: DPC often provides same-day or next-day appointments, and direct communication with the physician via phone, text, or email.
• Transparent pricing: Patients know exactly what they are paying for with no hidden fees or unexpected bills.

A DPC membership often includes:

• Unlimited office visits
• Annual physical exams
• Preventive care
• Chronic disease management
• Basic in-office procedures (e.g., injections, some bedside tests, wound care)
• Formal lab tests ("blood work") and imaging ("x-rays") at discounted rates

The cost of DPC membership varies by age, and there are discounts for families. The monthly membership is comparable to the cost of joining some fitness gyms or similar health benefit service memberships; similar to the cost of music lessons or hobbies. See our membership price list for more information.

While most DPC providers do not bill insurance for their services, patients can still use their insurance for specialist care, hospitalizations, major surgeries, and other services not covered by their DPC membership. It’s recommended to have a high-deductible health plan or a health sharing plan for such instances.

We understand not everyone is prepared to change from the traditional model of using health insurance (third party) to pay for care. At this time, Dr. Massey is accepting some insurance providers for traditional fee-for-service payment instead of the DPC membership. However, please be aware this does add some intrusion of the insurance companies’ stipulations and requirements into the care you receive from HCWJ.

While DPC offers many benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some potential downsides include:

• Similar to traditional insurance, the membership dues are required even if you choose not to visit the doctor.
• Patients may still need insurance for services outside of primary care.
• DPC memberships are not transferable to other areas.

DPC and concierge medicine share similarities, such as membership fees and a focus on personalized care. However, concierge medicine typically involves higher fees and still bills insurance for services, whereas DPC does not.

For physicians, DPC offers numerous benefits, including:

• More time to spend with patients
• The ability to practice medicine in a way that aligns with shared patient and physician values and goals
• Reduced administrative burden due to the lack of insurance billing

Yes, DPC can complement other healthcare models. For instance, employers can offer DPC memberships as part of their employee benefits package, or patients can combine DPC with high-deductible health plans to cover a broader range of healthcare needs.

You will find a link to pay through Hint membership management services on the website. You can also discuss this further with Dr. Massey at a “Welcome Visit.”

You can schedule an initial consultation (“Welcome Visit”) with no obligation so that you can talk with Dr. Massey and determine if DPC is right for you. There is no charge for this consultation, but please be advised, no medical advice or services are rendered at a “Welcome Visit.”