FAQs

The DPC model put the focus back on the patient/physician relationship. Coastal Complete DPC has a limited number of patients within our practice, so the physician can focus more attention on each individual patient.

Your membership fee covers all primary care services including office visits, home and extended facility visits as medically necessary, hospital visits, minor office procedures, joint and trigger point injections, EKGs, diagnostic and wellness exams, phone calls, video conferencing and arrangement to see specialists with direct doctor to doctor communication.

Yes, for many patients it can, especially if you have high insurance premiums or a high-deductible health plan.

Additionally, as a primary care practice, Coastal Complete DPC can handle the vast majority of your health issues and concerns in-office. Studies show that the DPC model of care reduces the need for unnecessary medications, more expensive testing and unnecessary referral to specialists. It is more likely to prevent unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations. This results in saving you money and providing you better care.

You are allowed to see a DPC physician if you have insurance, we just don’t bill the insurance. Patients pay a simple, flat, affordable membership fee straight to the doctor instead of paying an insurance company premiums and co-pays.

No. Our practice is designed to be unencumbered by the constraints and limited reimbursement of insurance plans so that we may better serve and care for our patients. You will NOT be charged separate fees or co-pays for office visits. You only pay the membership fee.

Yes. It’s very important to maintain insurance and/or Medicare to cover expensive, unusual and unpredictable events such as surgery, emergency room care, hospitalization, labs and x-rays. Your membership fee with our practice covers all of your everyday preventative primary care.

The current insurance-based healthcare system actually makes primary care MORE expensive, difficult and less effective too. Our practice does the opposite. By charging a set fee, your physician spends more time with you to maintain and improve your health.

Yes, with the DPC model, you can see your physician as often as you need to – all covered under the membership fee.

Yes, I make courtesy visits to the hospitals where I am on staff. I will discuss your case with the hospitalist, review your plan of care, answer questions and make recommendations to make your stay more comfortable.

In hospitals where I am not on staff, I will directly communicate with the hospitalist. Hospital admissions for serious medical problems are stressful and often confusing for patients and their families. I will act as your health care advocate and communicate with you and your loved ones.

Yes, on a case-by-case basis, I can make arrangements to see you in your home when medically appropriate.

As a seasoned primary care physician, I can diagnose and treat most health issues, however, if it is medically necessary for you to see a specialist, we will find the right doctor for your needs. This referral process will include direct physician-to-physician consultation prior to your appointment with the specialist and direct coordination of your visit.

For problems that are not life-threatening emergencies, you can contact me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In most cases, we can diagnose and treat your need without a visit to the ER. If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

As a member of Coastal Complete DPC, you are never alone. All patients are notified by email prior to any vacations. If the physician is not available, there will be another trusted medical professional available to assist patients for any urgent matters or to be seen in the office.

You can cancel your membership at any time with 30 days advanced notice. We will refund memberships paid for the full year at a prorated rate.