Frequently Asked Questions
What is DPC?
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by getting rid of the red tape by which most other traditional practices are restricted. It is an innovative model of health care that focuses on restoring the physician-patient relationship and providing excellent care at an affordable price. Patient’s pay a set monthly membership fee which covers all primary care services. This cuts out the role of traditional insurance companies and enhances the relationship between the patient and provider. Members get direct access to their doctor when needed and appointments are not rushed. Cost savings are provided for medications, labs, and imaging if needed. In this model, patient’s usually save money while experiencing more personalized and better care. No insurance, no copays, just you and the doctor.
What is Thorne Family Medicine?
Thorne Family Medicine is a Direct Primary Care clinic. We offer a pattern of family healthcare that is immediate, thorough, comprehensive, specific, easily affordable, and very personal.
Is concierge medicine the same as Direct Primary Care?
The terms are often used interchangeably and refer to the same principles. Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model focused on putting the patient first. That means treating them when needed, never rushing patients through appointments, and being proactive with healthcare treatment plans. The doctor-patient relationship is just as the name suggests – direct. Direct Primary Care clinics don’t accept insurance; instead, they work directly with the patient, providing wholesale labs, deeply discounted prescription prices, and other cost savings along the way.
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Although there are similarities, most concierge medicine practices charge a monthly fee in addition to billing the patient’s insurance. By eliminating the staff needed to bill insurance, Direct Primary Care can offer the same services at a much lower monthly cost.
What sets Thorne Family Medicine apart from other practices?
We have cut the red tape of bureaucracy. The restrictions that typically leave physicians in traditional and corporate healthcare settings buried in nonsense paperwork are lifted through Direct Care, allowing us to spend our time where it counts: with patients. In refusing to recognize any interference with the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, we have returned family medicine to its root values of clinical excellence and compassionate knowledge of every patient. In every aspect of family healthcare, we provide accessibility, convenience, and affordability.
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Traditional health care focuses on treating patients when they are sick. The direct primary care membership model allows us to focus on keeping you healthy. Imagine unlimited visits to discuss stress reduction, healthy eating, weight loss, and health optimization. If you become sick, you can typically be seen the same day. We have complete telemedicine availability, and you will also have direct access to your doctor via text, phone, email, portal, etc. Whether it is a quick question or you are out of town, often, the problem can be solved without being seen. You will also benefit from cost savings if you need diagnostic testing, labs, or medications.
Will I benefit from Thorne Family Medicine if I don’t require frequent medical attention?
Of course! We might argue that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to maintaining health that only physical well-being can bring. We’re here for your reactive needs. But proactive healthcare is essential, and we’re here for that, too. At Thorne Family Medicine, we have the gift of time. Even better? We get to give the gift of time. Large amounts of precious, irretrievable time are given to you as you wish. Every visit will be easygoing in its absolute thoroughness, relaxed in answering your questions and addressing the moment's needs. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive, intimate knowledge of your health, your personalized goals, and your overall well-being. Together, we can formulate a plan to achieve and/or maintain total body wellness.
Does Thorne Family Medicine accept health insurance?
No. Happily, no, but we accept all patients regardless of whether or not they have insurance. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. While the benefits an insurance company might apply to the fixing of a damaged fender on your automobile, we see no reason for any insurer to be able to determine either the quality or the cost of your family’s healthcare. We do not accept insurance to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payors. Furthermore, this arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.
As a patient of Thorne Family Medicine, will I still
need health insurance?
We recommend health insurance that will at least cover you in an emergency. We can take care of almost all of your health care needs but it is good to have health insurance to cover things such as hospital stays, surgeries, and specialist care if needed. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible, or medical cost sharing plan, and a health savings account to optimize your healthcare coverage. We’re happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for your services?
Yes! A Thorne Family Medicine membership would be a great way to spend these tax-free savings. All HSA's can be used since these are owned by you, the employee. The vast majority of FSA's can be used, but since these are employer-owned, few employers have designated these to be used for dental and vision coverage only. If there is any question regarding your FSA coverage, we recommend consulting your employer or HR department.
If I have Medicare, can I still join Thorne Family Medicine?
Yes. You need only sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover outside laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations our office prescribes.
How do I become a member?
You can become a member directly from this website here. You will receive a confirmation email and it will notify our office to call you the same day. We will discuss your needs and schedule your appointment as soon as you would like. We look forward to seeing you at your first appointment!
Are there any medical conditions you do not treat?
We do not prescribe chronic controlled pain medications or provide obstetric care. Otherwise, we take care of almost everything else. Please take a look at our benefits page for more information.
What if I need labs or imaging?
We have negotiated wholesale prices with local lab companies and imaging centers. All prices are disclosed before ordering tests, so there are no hidden fees or surprise bills later. You can also use your health insurance to pay for labs and imaging.
What happens if I need to go to the hospital
or see a specialist?
In providing superb care with unprecedented access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay, as well as work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.
Can children become members of Thorne Family Medicine?
Yes! We are happy to accept the children (5-20 years of age) of our enrolled clients. Currently, we will not be providing routine vaccinations for young children, but we will happily work with you to arrange these. In the future, we plan to have all childhood vaccines available in our office so we can open enrollment for children under five years old.
Do you accept HMOs, Tricare Prime or Medicaid?
We are not Medicaid, HMO, or Tricare providers. If you have this type of insurance, only your assigned primary care provider may make referrals and order specific tests for you. We can offer discounted cash prices for most labs, imaging, and specialist consults. We can also try to work with your assigned primary care provider and make recommendations on appropriate studies and referrals, but we cannot guarantee they will follow our recommendations.
Can I contact you after hours, and how?
Yes! Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call us any day, at any hour. If you prefer, you may also text or email me. It's how we do custom healthcare.
What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home?
We strive to provide the care you need wherever you are. This is another freedom we enjoy together due to Thorne Family Medicine's independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text, or video chat. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.
Will there be any additional fees not included
in my membership?
Your membership fee covers all your preventative and acute care, including annual exams, sick visits, telemedicine, office tests, and simple office procedures. The only additional costs you may have are specific labs, imaging, and medications at the pharmacy if needed. These are all offered at heavily discounted rates, and prices are always made available before service.
Are my medical records ever shared with insurance
or pharmaceutical companies?
We maintain scrupulous standards of privacy. We are never obligated to provide any third party with a copy of your records unless you specifically ask that we do so.
How will I know if Thorne Family Medicine is right for me?
Come get to know us! Once enrolled, we’ll meet to discuss your healthcare needs and goals. If at any point you feel that we aren’t the right fit, you’re free to cancel your membership without any extra cancellation fees. All membership fees and refunds are prorated based on your enrollment or cancellation date. We believe finding the right healthcare provider is essential, and we won’t lock you into any contracts. At Thorne Family Medicine, we’ve built a care model designed to foster long-lasting, productive, and healthy relationships with our patients—on your terms.
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