Frequently Asked Questions
The membership fee allows us to provide the majority of primary care for a simple, fixed price. This makes healthcare more predictable, helps members budget their medical expenses, and lets us keep care affordable.
Think of the membership fee as a smarter, more efficient way to access primary care. Most members save money when they pair Direct Health DPC with a high-deductible insurance or medical cost-sharing plan compared to traditional insurance models.
No. We only provide care through membership. However, you are welcome to visit the clinic and meet Dr. Patel before joining.
- Memberships are ongoing with no long-term contracts.
- You may cancel anytime.
- If you rejoin later, a $150 re-registration fee applies.
A little — but without the high price tag, insurance barriers, or valet parking! We offer concierge-level service at an affordable rate for people of all incomes, with or without insurance.
Absolutely. In fact, many of our members with chronic conditions see the greatest benefit. Membership fees are not based on medical history or conditions.
No. Membership is open to anyone, regardless of income, insurance status, or health.
That’s great! We focus on prevention and lifestyle so you stay healthy. And if something unexpected happens, we’re available 24/7 — often saving members the cost of an ER or urgent care visit.
Dr. Patel is licensed only in Georgia. Remote support is possible for established patients, but some care must be provided in person. We recommend membership only if you can visit the clinic regularly.
No hidden fees. Nearly everything is included in membership. If something isn’t, we’ll always be upfront.
- Basic tests (strep, EKG, urine dipstick, pregnancy, etc.) → included at no cost.
- Other labs → discounted 50–90% compared to insurance pricing.
- Contact us for specific pricing.
Payment is expected at the time of service, or it can be added to your next monthly membership bill.
We don’t charge per visit. New members simply pay the first month’s membership fee at their initial appointment. Additional charges only apply if non-covered services are needed.
- Monday–Thursday: 8:00am – 2:30pm
- Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm (hours may expand as the practice grows)
- Members also have 24/7 access to Dr. Patel by phone, text, email, or video.
As long as you need. Most visits last 30–60 minutes, depending on the issues.
- We can order labs, imaging, or refer to specialists just like any insurance-based doctor.
- We’ll also help you find fair “cash prices” when possible.
- We provide many urgent care and minor emergency services in-house (stitches, minor injuries, medications).
- For major needs (surgery, ER, hospitalizations), we recommend pairing membership with insurance.
No — and that’s a good thing!
No. DirectHealth DPC provides unlimited primary care, but we recommend insurance for major events like surgery, hospitalization, or emergencies.
No. We do not contract with any insurance plans.
No, but Medicaid recipients are welcome to join DirectHealth DPC as self-pay members.
Yes. Your insurance works normally at other doctors’ offices, hospitals, and pharmacies.
- PPO plans: No restrictions.
- HMO plans: Require an in-network primary care doctor (outside of our practice).
Generally no — insurance does not reimburse membership fees. For outside services (labs, imaging), we can provide receipts for reimbursement if applicable.
Yes! And starting in 2026, new rules will allow:
- Catastrophic insurance plans to be HSA-eligible.
- Direct Primary Care memberships to be HSA-qualified expenses.
- Patients to combine catastrophic plans + DPC membership + HSA for maximum savings.
📖 More info: CMS Fact Sheet
We’re not financial or insurance advisers, but many members find that:
- A high-deductible (catastrophic) plan, or
- A healthcare cost-sharing ministry pairs well with DirectHealth DPC.
- • Yes: Pap smears, pelvic exams, birth control, menopause management.
- No: Prenatal or obstetric care.
Dr. Patel cannot directly manage your hospital care but can visit socially and review your case. Hospitalists or specialists will provide inpatient care.
Yes! We provide full pediatric care (check-ups, chronic disease management, sick visits).
- Note: Vaccines are not stocked but may be ordered by request.
We use a cautious, conservative approach.
- Acute pain: Occasionally use short courses of narcotics.
- Chronic pain: Do not prescribe long-term opioids or other controlled substances.