DIRECT PRIMARY CARE
Direct Primary Care vs. Concierge
Dr. Jessica Mendelsohn founded New South Family Medicine and MedSpa to provide Direct Primary Care (DPC) services without intermediaries. Our services are transparent and affordable since we don't bill or accept insurance. Our goal is to offer personalized, convenient, and exceptional healthcare. With smaller patient numbers, our DPC physicians can focus on you instead of paperwork, providing more relaxed visits, easier access to appointments and refills.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Membership Fee:
In both direct primary care and concierge medicine, there is an enrollment fee. In Direct Primary Care, this is a one-time administrative fee, usually between $75-$300. In a concierge model, this is generally over $1000 and can be paid annually. In Direct Primary Care, members usually pay a monthly fee to include all of their visits throughout the course of the year. Concierge practice visits are usually billed through insurance and, therefore subject to market prices. At New South Family Medicine and MedSpa, having a Direct Primary Care model, there is no Health Insurance, service fees, or third-party billing.
What the Membership Fee Covers:
In concierge medicine, the annual fee covers enrollment at the practice. Sometimes a comprehensive physical is a routine yearly benefit. Physical exam screening tests that go beyond what traditional insurance or a government program would support, may be paid out of pocket by patients. In contrast, the Direct Primary Care membership fee generally covers all patient visits throughout the year. Most Direct Primary Care physicians include an annual physical membership fee.
Cost:
Concierge medicine membership fees tend to be higher than Direct Primary Care membership fees. Direct Primary Care membership fees are usually priced on a sliding scale, where younger patients pay less than older patients (assuming more complex). Sometimes family rates are available. The Direct Primary Care physicians at New South Family Medicine and MedSpa have secured low rates for labs and medications, passing the wholesale prices to patients. In concierge, these are typically billed through insurance, so rates are comparable to market prices.
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Third-Party Payers:
Most traditional concierge medicine physicians continue to accept insurance plans and government programs, and patient visits are billed traditionally in addition to their membership fees. In DPC, the doctor does not accept third-party reimbursements. The membership fees paid by the patient cover all office visits for the duration of the membership.
INCLUDED IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Annual Physical Exam, including well GYN and labs:
As part of your membership at New South Family Medicine and MedSpa, you will receive a yearly and wellness exam. This includes basic lab work such as a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic testing, fasting cholesterol, and thyroid testing, all for less than $20. We will also discuss appropriate screening tests based on your age and provide a discounted rate for Pap tests if indicated. For pediatric members, a well check is included, but immunizations are not offered at this time. We follow the recommended immunization schedules from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Family Medicine.
Extended, relaxed visits:
Our scheduling system allows us to dedicate 30-60 minutes to each patient ensuring that we can address all of your concerns during your visit. We strive to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible, as we want to be there for you when you need us.
Up-to-date telecommunications:
New South Family Medicine and MedSpa offers various communication channels such as visit, phone, text, email, and Zoom. For non-urgent medical issues, we can handle them via telecommunications to save you a visit. Please limit phone calls after business hours to urgent needs only. You can send an email or text anytime, and we will respond to refill requests, lab results, and non-urgent questions on the next business day.
Significantly discounted labs/imaging:
At New South Family Medicine and MedSpa, we have partnered with vendors to offer discounted medication prices. Additionally, we have teamed up with LabCorp to provide heavily discounted lab prices. You can choose to have your bloodwork drawn at their outpatient sites and bill it to your insurance as usual, or take advantage of the discounted cash pricing available through our office. We are also working on discounted imaging prices, so stay tuned for updates.