BlueWater Family Wellness is a direct primary care (and direct pediatric primary care) provider serving Clermont, FL, families and workplaces. We know the DPC model is new for lots of folks, so we’re here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about direct primary care for children, adults, and employees.
What Do You Mean by “Direct” Primary Care?
Standard primary care is a confusing mix of insurance payments, copays, and deductibles. The DPC model gives patients the convenience of paying the physician directly for their primary care services, rather than navigating all that red tape. DPC patients pay a monthly membership fee that covers an extensive list of medical testing services, office visits, and more. We also offer non-member rates for people new to our clinic seeking direct pay services, but our member patients save money across the board.
Because there’s no middleman, our patients enjoy simplified communication with their healthcare team. It’s much easier to reach our team with healthcare and billing questions, and you can get answers about tests and diagnostics quickly. Our team communicates directly with our patients by email, text, or through their patient portal.
What’s Included in a DPC Membership Fee?
The monthly DPC fee covers all primary care visits with BlueWater Family Wellness. This includes:
- Preventative Care: Any healthcare services or wellness support you need to lower the risk of illness so you feel your very best.
- Care Coordination: Care coordination visits cover things like medication check-ups and follow-up.
- Sick Visits: When our patients aren’t feeling well, their DPC membership gives them access to comprehensive care (for illnesses like strep throat, the flu, and many others).
- Testing, Diagnostics, and Consultations: DPC membership fees also cover a range of in-office testing and related consultations.
- Note: In case supplies are limited, patients let us know what they’d like testing for before their appointment, so we have what they need on hand. On rare occasions, more extensive testing is available for an additional fee.
Do I Still Need Insurance?
We recommend keeping insurance for medical services beyond the scope of primary care. Direct Primary Care memberships only cover the primary care services our office provides. We’re unable to provide hospital services. Depending on your needs, we may refer you to an emergency room, urgent care clinic, or a specialist. For these situations, you’ll need to be prepared to pay the traditional way (using the co-pay and deductible system through your insurance plan).
Can Workplaces Use DPC for Their Healthcare Plans?
Yes! If you’re a small business owner in Clermont, you can provide great healthcare options for your employees. BlueWater has DPC membership options for small businesses. Groups of up to 10 employees can enjoy the same benefits individuals and families do, including the convenience of a straightforward, direct payment for their primary care services. Click here to learn more about our employer-sponsored healthcare plans.
Get ALL Your Direct Primary Care Questions Answered
We want you to make informed choices when it comes to healthcare for yourself, your family, your children, or your employees. If you still have questions about how DPC membership works, what is and isn’t covered in your membership, and when you’d need to be prepared for additional costs, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get your questions answered and book your initial appointment with our care team.