Heart of Texas

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model where patients pay a regular fee directly to their primary care provider for comprehensive and personalized care. This fee covers a wide range of services, and there are no insurance claims or copays involved.

How does DPC differ from traditional insurance-based primary care?

DPC eliminates the need for insurance and offers unlimited access to your primary care provider for a fixed monthly or annual fee. It allows for longer, more personalized visits and transparent pricing without the complexities of insurance billing.

What services are covered under DPC?

Unlimited access to comprehensive and personalized care.

Preventive care, wellness check-ups, chronic disease management, acute visits for illness and injury, and minor procedures.

Flexible appointment scheduling, including same-day or next-day visits.

Longer, more personalized visits in order to address all your healthcare needs.

Transparent pricing, with no surprises or insurance claims.

Is DPC just for individuals, or can families join as well?

A family plan with discount pricing is offered. You can select the option that best suits your needs.

How much does DPC cost, and what's included in the fee?

Please visit our membership page for more information and most up to date schedule of fees.

Do I still need health insurance if I have DPC?

DPC is not a substitute for health insurance. It covers primary care services, but you should still maintain insurance for specialty care, hospitalization, and emergencies.

Can I use DPC services even if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes, DPC practices typically welcome patients with pre-existing conditions. They focus on managing chronic diseases and providing ongoing care. During your initial consultation visit, if your needs are determined to be beyond what is able to be cared for you will be notified and no charge will be made.

Can I see a specialist with DPC, or do I need a referral?

I can help coordinate specialist care and provide referrals when necessary.

What if I need medication, lab tests, or imaging?

I can order prescriptions, lab tests, and imaging when needed. The cost for these services may be separate but can often be billed through insurance.

How do I cancel my DPC membership?

This is specifically addressed in the membership agreement. 30 days advanced notice of cancellation is required. This is in order to ensure that a transition of care to your next clinic or provider can be made and if refills are needed on recurrent prescription orders that they can be addressed appropriately.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

In Texas, a nurse practitioner (NP) is a licensed advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with specialized training and education to provide a wide range of healthcare services. Nurse practitioners in Texas must complete advanced education and training, typically at the master's or doctoral level, and obtain national certification in their chosen specialty. They are licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing and hold prescriptive authority, allowing them to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, within their scope of practice. Additionally, NPs may have independent practice, provided they meet specific criteria, or they may practice under the supervision or collaboration of a physician, depending on their specialty and the patient population they serve. NPs in Texas are authorized to deliver high-quality, comprehensive patient care, including:

• Diagnosis and Treatment: NPs can evaluate patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans, which may include prescribing medications, therapies, and other interventions

• Primary Care: They can perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, perform certain procedures, and manage common health conditions

• Patient Education: NPs often play a significant role in patient education, helping individuals and families understand their health conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures

• Collaboration: NPs in Texas may collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as physicians, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for patients

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)