How does this work?
Direct Primary Care is "old school" medicine. You have one doctor who knows you and is there for you. You get visits that are long enough to talk about everything you want to discuss (typically 30-60 minutes) and as frequent as you need them to be. You can talk to the doctor when you need to without an office staff to navigate - whether that is a quick text conversation or a longer video chat. And when your child needs to be seen, they can be seen quickly in whatever way is best for the situation - whether in-person at your home or with telehealth. All of this is included with your monthly subscription.
What is included?
These are the services that are included in your monthly membership:
Well visits
General well visits will be scheduled regularly to monitor your child's health, growth and development. These will include vision and hearing screens as appropriate. These will typically include vaccines, and we will discuss these and decide together what to give and when to give them. Vaccines that are covered by insurance will be brought to your home and given there. If you do not have coverage for vaccines they can be dne at the health department by appointment free of charge.
Urgent visits
Any necessary visits for illness or other concerns are included in your subscription cost. These can usually be scheduled the same day or the next day. Often they can be handled over the phone or with a tele-health visit.
Supervision of chronic health conditions
Some kids have ongoing health problems. These are things we will work together to care for over time. Sometimes, they will require referrals to a specialist. But because this model allows extended visits, we often have time to deal with these issues wtihout the need for a specialist visit.
Developmental screenings
Each child develops at their own pace. Together we will keep an eye on your child's trajectory and work to identify and provide resources for any issues that arise.
Behavioral support
Behavioral needs have become more commonplace and complex in our complicated world. I am able to provide screenings and care for many mental health and behavioral issues that arise as kids mature. Sometimes this will require referral to a specialist or mental health professional. This will be individualized for each child to work toward a great outcome.
In-home care
If you live within a 20 minute drive of my home in Winchester, VA, (near Winchester Medical Center) visits are included in your monthly subscription. If you are outside this area, there will be an additional transportation fee to help cover my time and gas. If you prefer not to have visits in your own home, I can do visits in my home on a case-by-case basis. This is subject to change as needed as the practice grows.
Labs and Imaging
Quick labs will be done during the visit and are included (strep, flu, covid and RSV, blood glucose, urinalysis, and hemoglobin). If more extensive testing is needed it will be ordered during the visit and we will discuss the most cost effective way to have this done. This is often through discounted cash pricing at a local lab. The same applies for imaging that may be necessary.
Procedures
I will be providing some procedures at your child's visits as I am able. Since I have no nurse on staff, some procedures may require a parent to assist in holding a child still in order to do them. These can include sutures and staples.
Acupuncture
I have completed a training course in acupuncture for physicians. Some problems respond better to a different approach, and I would be happy to use these skills to help your child. Especially for younger children, this often doesn't require needles and there are other techniques available including massage and magnets to effect change.