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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.
What is the process for signing up?
Reach out to me here to set up a Meet and Greet.
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 dramatically 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 and Weight Management for me?
Absolutely. One of the best aspects of a DPC clinic is the opportunity for prevention. Our goal is to prevent disease rather than react to disease. In the direct primary care model, we take time to discuss lifestyle choices and family medical history with you that may be causing current or future problems.
Many of us have medical conditions that start small and we often don’t see a doctor because of the cost and inconvenience. Unfortunately, those seemingly insignificant issues can lead to serious concerns later on -- addressing them early is crucial. That’s why we’re here.
And chances are, at some point, you will get unexpectedly sick or have an inconvenient accident or injury. Chamoun Direct Primary Care will be there for you, able to give you the care you need without long waits, expensive urgent care co-pays, or ER fees. One saved ER visit usually pays for at least a year’s membership fees.
Does Chamoun Direct Primary Care and Weight Management accept health insurance?
No, which we’re really excited about! We employ the Direct Primary Care model using a flat, monthly membership fee. We don’t participate in insurance so there is no middleman. Our only obligation is to you, the patient. We save enormously by cutting out the time and expense devoted to insurance companies’ endless paperwork and clerical demands. We devote our resources where they belong—in taking care of you.
You can still use non-HMO insurance benefits to cover the cost of tests I order for you.
As a member of Chamoun Direct Primary Care and Weight Management , will I still need health insurance?
Yes. 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.
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 laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by our office. Due to insurance restrictions we cannot accept Medicare patients with a Medicare Advantage plan.
What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?
We seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals through improved access and our preventative care approach.
Hospital care is not covered by our fee. That's where your insurance comes in. I will review your hospital discharge summary to make sure any plans made for discharge are followed.
What if I need to get an X-ray or other imaging done?
I will help arrange any basic X-ray or advanced imaging test (MRI, CT, etc.) you may need wherever you would like to go and follow-up the results with you. You can use your insurance to pay for my orders for these tests or if it is more reasonable, you can elect to schedule through an online service like MDSAVE or Radiologyassist and use my order to schedule your test and pay out of pocket.
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 concerns that come up unexpectedly after hours.
What if I want to cancel? Will I be obligated to a long contract?
No. If you decide that DPC is not for you, you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice — no questions asked.