FAQ
"WHAT'S DPC?"
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by getting rid of the red tape by which most other traditional practices are restricted.
“WHAT IS MAIN STREET FAMILY MEDICINE?”
Main Street Family Medicine is Vancouver’s newest Direct Primary Care practice. We offer a pattern of family healthcare that is immediate, thorough, comprehensive, specific, easily affordable, and very, very personal.
“IS CONCIERGE MEDICINE THE SAME AS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?”
The terms are often used interchangeably and essentially refer to the same principles. Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model focused on putting the patient first. That means treating them when they need it, never rushing patients through appointments, and being proactive with healthcare treatment plans. The doctor-patient relationship is just as the name suggests – direct. Direct Primary Care clinics don’t accept insurance, rather they choose to work directly with the patient, providing deeply discounted lab and prescription prices, and other costs savings along the way.
“WHAT SETS MAIN STREET FAMILY MEDICINE APART FROM OTHER PRACTICES?”
We have cut the red tape of bureaucracy. The restrictions that typically leave physicians in a traditional healthcare setting buried in unhelpful paperwork are lifted through Direct Care, allowing us to spend our time where it really counts: with patients. In refusing to recognize any interference with the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, we have returned family medicine to its root values of clinical excellence for and compassionate knowledge of every patient. In every aspect of family healthcare, and custom healthcare, we promise accessibility, convenience, and affordability.
“WILL I BENEFIT FROM MAIN STREET FAMILY MEDICINE IF I DON’T REQUIRE FREQUENT MEDICAL ATTENTION?”
Of course. We might argue that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health, to the enhancements of your daily experience that only physical well-being can bring. We’re here for your reactive needs. But proactive healthcare is important, and we’re here for that, too.
At Main Street Family Medicine, we have the gift of time. Even better? We get to give the gift of time. Large amounts of precious, irretrievable time given to you as you wish. Every visit, for whatever reason, will be easygoing in its absolute thoroughness, relaxed in answering your questions and addressing the need of the moment. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive, intimate knowledge of your health, invaluable understanding available in no other regimen of care.
“DOES MAIN STREET FAMILY MEDICINE ACCEPT HEALTH INSURANCE?”
No and Yes. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. While the tender mercies of an insurance company might apply to the fixing of a damaged fender on your automobile, we see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your family’s care. So although we gladly see and have many patients with all sorts of private insurances, we do not bill an insurance company for any services here at the clinic, including your monthly membership. Why? We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payors. Furthermore, this direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications. See the next question for more clarification.
“AS A PATIENT OF MAIN STREET FAMILY MEDICINE, WILL I STILL NEED HEALTH INSURANCE AND CAN YOU HELP ME NAVIGATE WHEN TO USE IT?”
Yes. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. Although we do not directly bill insurance, any services you obtain outside of the clinic can be billed to your insurance provider if possible. For example, if you need to see a specialist and they accept your insurance, you can request their office bill your insurance for that consultation. This includes images from radiology and/or some high cost labs or medications that you obtain outside the office. Though we often have much better prices than your insurance carrier will provide you, we are happy to help you cost shop. One huge difference here at Mainstreet is that we give you the cost of services before they are rendered so you can be confident that your care is within your budget. We are also happy to refer you to an insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs. Another good option would be one of the health cost sharing ministries. Please call us if you have additional questions.
“IF I HAVE MEDICARE or MEDICAID, CAN I STILL JOIN MAIN STREET FAMILY MEDICINE?”
We are able to take some patients on Medicare and Medicaid- please call to discuss how it works.
“IS MY MEMBERSHIP TO MAIN STREET FAMILY MEDICINE TAX DEDUCTIBLE?”
Unfortunately, no. Your retainer is not yet defined as a “medical expense” in most states and as such is not deductible. Please confer with your tax consultant to clarify tax consequences in your particular circumstances.
“WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL OR SEE A SPECIALIST?”
In providing superb care with exceptional access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay as well as work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.
“CAN CHILDREN BECOME MEMBERS OF MAIN STREET FAMILY MEDICINE?”
Yes. We are happy to accept the children (birth to 18 years of age) of our enrolled clients. We are able to provide Well-Child Checks, sports physicals, sick visits, and child vaccinations.
“CAN I CONTACT MY PHYSICIAN AFTER HOURS? AND HOW?”
By all means, yes! Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call our physicians after regular business hours, even on weekends or holidays. We invite you to arrange for home visits, schedules permitting.
“WHAT IF I NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION WHILE I’M AWAY FROM HOME?”
Naturally we provide such care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of Main Street’s independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text or webcam. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.
“ARE MY MEDICAL RECORDS EVER SHARED WITH INSURANCE CARRIERS OR PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES?”
We maintain scrupulous standards of privacy. We are never obligated to provide any insurance or pharmaceutical company with a copy of your records unless you specifically ask that we do so.
“HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE DOCTORS OF MAIN STREET FAMILY MEDICINE ARE RIGHT FOR ME?”
Come get to know us! Schedule a free, unconditional visit to discuss your healthcare needs. It’s the only reasonable way to begin what we trust will be a long, productive, healthy relationship.