Frequently Asked Questions

The direct primary care model is a growing model of care that acknowledges that primary care should not be dictated by an insurance company, but should be based on the trusting relationship that a physician and family can build. Because we spend less time dealing with the rules of insurers and more time with you, our patients can expect less wait for appointments, more time with your doctor, and an apporach to your health that is right for you rather than for your insurer.

In Concierge Medicine, the membership fees allow access. Membership cost is typically high, therefore these practices attract the top 1% - 5% income earners, who are not as concerned about saving money on medications, labs or imaging. These patients are willing to pay for these ancillary services through their insurance even though the price may be inflated. In Direct Primary Care, the membership includes more services. DPC doctors generally have no visit fees or fee-for-service type transactions. Many ancillary services are included in your NoCo Primary care membership, like EKGs, Spirometry, Wart Removal, skin lesion removal and laceration repair. In addition, as a member of NoCo Primary care, you will have access to wholesale costs on medications (+10%), and significantly discounted labs and imaging. Concierge Medicine clinics attract members with things like "Executive Physicals" or "Executive Health". These are tailored to high-income earners. Direct Primary Care doctors focus on health maintenance, wellness, and the bread and butter primary care services like preventive health, screening tests, chronic disease management, and acute care needs. Concierge Medicine practices often require you to carry a high-end insurance policy - these practices often bill their patients' insurance companies for routine visits or services. Direct Primary Care doctors do not bill insurance companies for the services they provide. That means that DPC doctors can take care of patients across a wide spectrum of coverage. For example, if you are uninsured, underinsured, or fully insured, you can be seen at NoCo Primary care. This is true for most DPC clinics.

We do not believe that insurance is needed in the primary care office. We use the analogy of insuring your car for when it gets totaled, but not for routine oil changes and when things break. Direct Primary Care is more like your new car warranty. We believe that third-party payers have driven medical care in America, and associated soaring costs, and it is our belief this is not the best approach for primary care. Without the added complexity of coding, documentation, prior authorizations and co-pays, primary care can be delivered much more efficiently!

Yes, even within the direct primary care model, we do think every person needs a high-deductible catastrophic insurance plan that covers hospitalization and prolonged severe illness. Primary care covers over 80% of a person's medical needs. There are affordable options for catastrophic plans, such as health sharing plans.

Primary care in America is in trouble. The typical primary care doctor has 2,300 patients. It is estimated that to truly care for 2,300 patients, the typical doctor would have to work 20 hours per day. Insurance for the average family of four costs over $16,000 annually and is increasing much faster than the average pay raise.

Our model is not insurance and will not meet the criteria for the Affordable Care Act. The individual mandate will no longer be in effect begining 2019. There are alternatives to the insurance exchange that still meet the ACA mandate for insurance. If you would like to know more about that, let us know.

You will always be able to reach a doctor. You can talk with us about what is happening and we can help you determine if the emergency room is really the right place. Sometimes, it is. Often times, it is not. If it is not the right place, we will help you figure out the best plan. Because we do not have to worry about the confines of insurance reimbursement, we can provide care whether you are in the office or not. Because we will have substantially fewer patients, we will know who you are and feel comfortable that the plan that we are creating is best for you.

Our members can call or text. Let us know what is happening, and we will discuss what is going on and decide if being seen at a local urgent care is necessary, or if your issue can be addressed over the phone with a local pharmacy if needed. We want to save you an unecessary trip to the ED or urgent care if we are able!

We provide primary care, and are committed to helping you avoiding a costly ER or Urgent care visit. However, sometimes this is necessary. Any Urgent Care or ER costs are your responsibility, as well as seeing Specialists, and any labs and imaging.

This works great for smaller companies that want to attract high quality employees by offering this great benefit. Ask about our special corporate rates. NoCo Primary care is not a worker’s compensation provider, but can treat minor work related problems, and minimize your employees time away from work, often saving a claim on your worker’s compensation policy.

You can purchase an expensive insurance plan with little to no co-pay, and with coverage of lab and prescription costs. However, your membership with NoCo Primary care covers your office visits at our practice, in-office tests, and may procedures without co-pays or surprise charges. You also get the benefit of discounted labs and imaging, as well as wholesale +10% on many prescriptions. You may find that combining your membership at NoCo Primary Care and a low cost “catastrophic” plan may save you significant amounts of money.