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Frequently Asked Question

WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?

Direct Primary Care ("DPC") is a fresh approach to health care that challenges the concept of assembly-line medicine and prioritizes the doctor-patient relationship. Instead of the traditional fee-for-service model, which often comes with high copays and unpredictable charges, DPC uses a membership model with completely transparent pricing. For a flat, monthly membership fee, patients receive direct access to their doctor (no middlemen) and unhurried, thorough, personalized primary care.
 
IS DPC THE SAME THING AS CONCIERGE MEDICINE?

Not exactly. Although both DPC and concierge practices offer patients increased access to their physician, extended visit times, and smaller patient panels (fewer patients per doctor), there are some important differences between these two models.

Typically, concierge practices bill insurance for each visit. On top of insurance charges, members pay an additional ("retainer") fee simply for access to their doctor. This fee can be quite costly, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per year. 

DPC practices do not bill insurance. Instead, patients pay an affordable monthly membership fee straight to their doctor's office. In exchange, patients receive direct access to their physician and comprehensive primary care services. By stepping away from insurance-based care, DPC practices are able to reduce costs, eliminate unnecessary barriers to care, and shift the focus back to what's important: the doctor-patient relationship. 


IS DPC A FORM OF HEALTH INSURANCE?

No. Although we aim to address the vast majority of members' primary care needs, membership at Huntington Direct Primary Care does NOT replace health insurance. We recommend that our members maintain active health insurance to be used for services not offered by our practice, such as appointments with specialists, urgent care/emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. 

DO YOU TAKE HEALTH INSURANCE?
 
No. We do not bill insurance or contract with any private or public health insurance plans, because stepping away from insurance-based care is what allows us to offer affordable, transparent, up-front pricing and extended appointment times. Patients with insurance are still able to use their coverage for visits to other medical facilities, as well as things like labs, imaging, and medication. That being said, because we have negotiated discounted cash-pay prices for many of these services, some members prefer not to use their insurance and pay for these things directly instead.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE?

No problem! Although we recommend that all patients carry insurance for emergencies, we do not bill insurance and do not require insurance for membership. 

DO YOU TAKE PATIENTS ON MEDICARE OR MEDICAID?

This is a complicated topic, but the short answer is: not yet. Because Medicare and Medicaid have specific rules regarding DPC practices, Dr. Andreoni is not able to accept Medicare, Medicare-eligible, or Medicaid patients at this time. However, we hope to offer this service in the near future. So, if you are interested in becoming a member, please contact us. We will reach out to you as soon as we are able to see you!

 

WHY THE MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP FEE?

Using a membership model works well for both our practice and our patients. For us, shifting from a fee-for-service model to a membership model means spending less time on paperwork (billing and coding, insurance-related forms) and more time providing care. For patients, having a predictable, transparent, monthly membership fee is a welcome change from the world of copays and unpredictable charges for every appointment. Patients are able to budget for their healthcare needs more easily and are less likely to avoid seeking care due to financial concerns.
 
IS THERE A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT?

No. Although we cherish the opportunity to care for patients and families long-term (that's what Family Medicine is all about!), we understand that sometimes things don't work out as planned. We ask for 30 days' notice for membership cancellation, which gives us time to tie up loose ends while you find a new practice to settle into. 

WHAT OTHER FEES CAN I EXPECT? 

Not many, if any. The monthly membership fee covers just about everything we do here at Huntington DPC, from preventive care to acute care to procedures. There are no copays and no charges per visit for members. On occasion, there may be a nominal fee for select in-office procedures simply to cover the cost of special materials or pathology. In these situations, the charges would be discussed up front.


WHAT ABOUT THINGS LIKE LABS, IMAGING, AND MEDICATION?

You may use your insurance plan for these and at Huntington DPC, we work with discounted radiology sites. 

DO YOU MAKE REFERRALS TO OTHER SPECIALISTS?

Absolutely. Working with other specialists and helping to coordinate care are important aspects of high-quality primary care. 

DO YOU DO HOME VISITS?

Yes. We understand that sometimes, getting to the doctor's office just isn't possible. Dr. Andreoni will assess the need for home visits on a case-by-case basis and schedule these appointments at his discretion. Please note, there is an additional fee for home visits. Contact us for more information. 

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WHAT DOES UNLIMITED ACESS MEAN?

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It means unlike the old antiquated system, I am available in case you are experiencing something extraordinary.  Yes, please call if you feel tightness in your chest or short of breath or sudden pain elsewhere. That's why I have a special phone for these types of emergencies. But the access you will enjoy comes with your agreement not to call me at 3am for something routinely handled by self-care or can wait until the following day.

I am human and I will take breaks and vacations in order to rest and spend time with my family. This allows me to recharge, be awake and focus on you. 

I am happy to discuss your individual boundaries.

LOCATION

Huntington Direct Primary Care

11 Stewart Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743

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