Frequently Asked Questions
Why charge a membership fee?
The membership fee allows us to provide the vast majority of a person's primary care in an innovative way for a simple, fixed price. Much like Netflix or a gym membership, it allows members to better budget their healthcare finances; without worrying about extra costs, co-pays and deductibles for routine care.
Are there any contracts or commitments? What if I decide to cancel?
We do not require members to sign any contracts that commit them to a certain period of membership. Memberships are ongoing and open but must be paid ongoing in order to maintain service with us.
How much does a "check-up" cost? wellness visit?
All wellness visits are provided at ZERO cost to all members! Pap smears will have a low lab cost.
How long are doctor visits?
As much time as you need. By limiting the number of patients we will accept, we are able to offer unrushed, extended office visits. Our goal is to provide personalized care for our members.
What if I need outside care? Specialists, diagnostic testing, ER, hospital?
We can order or refer just as any insurance-based doctor can do. For some outside services, we can help find reasonable "cash" prices if you are paying out-of-pocket - especially for radiology and lab services. We can provide many urgent care and minor emergency services during regular or after-hours (stitches, colds, etc.) that can help people avoid a trip to the ER. However, we advise you to keep health insurance for services not covered by Charmed DPC, such as surgery, hospitalization, or consulting with a specialist. Go to the health share tab for more info on an option you may prefer!
Is Charmed DPC a substitute for health insurance?
No. Charmed DPC is a great way to receive high quality primary health care, but we advise you to obtain, or keep in full force, health insurance that will cover you for healthcare not personally delivered by Charmed DPC, and for hospitalizations and catastrophic events. Further, standing alone, your membership with Charmed DPC does not satisfy the health benefit requirements as established in the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charmed DPC accept health insurance?
No, but we can save you money. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. We forgo insurance payments in order to eliminate the middleman. Furthermore, this arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering steep discounts on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.
Can you manage chronic pain? prescribe narcotics?
WE DO NOT MANAGE CHRONIC PAIN and will not routinely prescribe narcotics or other controlled substances (Tramadol, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Soma, etc.) on an on-going basis. We recognize many people live with chronic pain and understand the necessity of controlling such symptoms. We also recognize chronic pain management as a specialized field of medicine and believe long-term treatment of chronic pain should be addressed by a board certified pain management physician in an accredited pain management center.
WE DO NOT ROUTINELY PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR THE LONG-TERM TREATMENT OF ANXIETY OR INSOMNIA. Anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Valium (diazepam) may be prescribed for the SHORT TERM treatment of acute anxiety, or on an infrequent "as needed" basis, but will not be prescribed for routine long-term use. We will not prescribe Ambien, but may offer other options for help with sleep, like a specialist, cognitive behavior therapy and focus on sleep hygiene. Anti-depressants and other non-controlled anti-anxiety medications will be prescribed as needed.
Can you treat ADD/ADHD? prescribe amphetamines, Adderall?
I agree with Dr. Neuhofel: "I recommend most cases of attention-related problems be managed with lifestyle changes, therapy and educational techniques. I do not prescribe or manage use of amphetamine medications (Ritalin, Adderall, etc.). If someone does require pharmaceutical assistance for ADD/ADHD, we can refer them to a specialist for medication management." - Dr. Neu
What if I need you after hours?
Phone, email and text messaging is available 24/7, and included in your membership for no additional cost. Ifyou require an after hours face to face visit, we will charge an additional fee.
All emergencies need to call 911.
If I have Medicare, can I still join Charmed DPC?
Unfortunately, I cannot take Medicare patients at this time. We will be able to take Medicare patients after January 1, 2023.