FAQ

Do you treat pain or anxiety?

Yes. However, I do not keep any controlled medications in the clinic. I also do not prescribe benzodiazepines or opioids long-term. Benzodiazepines are medications like Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium. I also do not prescribe Ambien or other controlled sleeping pills long-term. If you have any questions, send a message through the contact form prior to signing up.

How would you describe your practice style?

I practice traditional, Western, evidence-based medicine.

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative alternative payment model improving access to healthcare with a flat, affordable membership fee. No insurance submissions. No third party billing.

Is concierge medicine the same as Direct Primary Care?

The terms are often used interchangeably and essentially refer to the same principles. Both models provide direct access to the physician and personalized care, however the concierge model bills insurance while also charging a membership fee. DPC does not bill insurance, and the membership fee is usually less than for a concierge membership.

What if I’m healthy and only see the doctor once or twice a year? Is Chamoun Direct Primary Care for me?

Absolutely. One of the best aspects of DPC is the opportunity for prevention. My goal is to prevent rather than react to disease. Within the direct primary care model, I take time to discuss lifestyle choices and family medical history. Typical physical exams at insurance-based practices may last 30 minutes, if you are fortunate. My initial visit with you is twice as long with a follow up scheduled for 4-6 weeks later to review any labs I order and discuss records from your other doctors.

In addition to a thorough annual physical exam, you have the ability to schedule same or next day sick visits throughout the year. You can reach me by phone or text.

Does Chamoun Direct Primary Care accept health insurance?

With most commercial insurance plans, you can use your benefits for anything I order such as imaging studies, labs and medications at the pharmacy. The exceptions to this are managed Medicare plans like Medicare Advantage, Tricare Prime, HMO plans and Medicaid. Those plans will not recognize my orders and at this time, I am not accepting patients who have those insurance plans.

My office does not bill insurance for visits to my office and we do not charge co-pays. My only obligation is to you, the patient. I save enormously by cutting out the time and expense devoted to insurance companies’ endless paperwork and clerical demands. I devote my resources where they belong—in taking care of you.

As a member of Chamoun Direct Primary Care, will I still need health insurance?

Chamoun Direct Primary Care is not an insurance plan, nor does it replace insurance. We recommend carrying insurance to cover you for hospitalizations, surgeries, and other care that is not included in the membership fee. Since they have no need for primary care coverage, many DPC members find that they save considerably by obtaining a high-deductible insurance plan.

What is the process for signing up?

Click the "Join Now" button at the top of any page on my website. From there you will be directed to a different website to register.

Does my DPC membership count towards my deductible?

No, Direct Primary Care membership fees do not count as an eligible health expense towards your insurance deductible.

If I have Medicare, can I still join Chamoun Direct Primary Care?

Yes! You only need sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover any hospitalizations, in addition to laboratory testing, imaging or medications I prescribe.

What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?

Hospital care is not covered by our fee. That's where your insurance comes in. You would use your insurance to cover the costs associated with visits to a specialist and any tests they order as well as hospital stays.

What if I need to get an X-ray or other imaging done?

You would use my order and your insurance to schedule these tests at the facility of your choice or through an online service like Radiologyassist and use my order to schedule your test and pay out of pocket. Depending on your insurance plan, paying out of pocket may be cheaper for you with the added benefit of knowing exactly how much you will pay BEFORE you even schedule the test.

Are my medical records ever shared with insurance carriers or government agencies?

Not unless you make this request. Patient privacy is a natural benefit of this medical model. We will never provide any third party with a copy of your records, unless you specifically ask us to do so or if required by law. Review our Notice of Privacy Practices here.

Can I contact my doctor after hours?

Yes! We understand that illness doesn’t always respect usual business hours. Therefore, as a member of Chamoun Direct Primary Care, you will be given access to your physician through a secure app for urgent medical issues that come up unexpectedly after hours.

Are you on staff at any hospitals?

Yes, Bryn Mawr Hospital.

What if I want to cancel? Is there a long contract?

No. If you decide that DPC is not for you, cancel 7 days before your next billing date — no questions asked.