I'm sure everything is crystal clear, right?
Well, just in case you'd like more information, look below.
What is Direct Primary Care? Why can't you just take my insurance?
Under the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, the patient (you) receives comprehensive primary health care directly from their DPC physician (me, Dr. Hoffmanf). The patient pays for this care through a reasonable monthly fee, paid directly to Hoffman Family Medicine. That fee covers many primary care services, like office visits, skin biopsies, etc.
Because DPC practices do not participate in any insurance or plans, the physician is able to avoid the ever-increasing and costly documentation demands and administrative intrusions that come with accepting insurance. These require staff, time, and money, often amounting to substantial intrusions on patient privacy.
Because DPC physicians avoid these obligations to insurance companies, they are free to spend that time listening to and treating patients. And because DPC physicians eliminate the significant overhead costs of participating in insurance, they can pass the savings on to you, the patient – and give compassionate, attentive and timely care at an affordable cost.
We will work for you, NOT some giant profit-driven corporation.
Honestly, it allows us more time to build relationships. We believe it's these relationships that do the real healing work.
You will still use your insurance to pay for medications, lab testing, imaging and referrals.
Because DPC practices do not participate in any insurance or plans, the physician is able to avoid the ever-increasing and costly documentation demands and administrative intrusions that come with accepting insurance. These require staff, time, and money, often amounting to substantial intrusions on patient privacy.
Because DPC physicians avoid these obligations to insurance companies, they are free to spend that time listening to and treating patients. And because DPC physicians eliminate the significant overhead costs of participating in insurance, they can pass the savings on to you, the patient – and give compassionate, attentive and timely care at an affordable cost.
We will work for you, NOT some giant profit-driven corporation.
Honestly, it allows us more time to build relationships. We believe it's these relationships that do the real healing work.
You will still use your insurance to pay for medications, lab testing, imaging and referrals.
Does Hoffman Family Medicine accept health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare?
No. We've decided to step out of the frenzied model you read about above and have time to love and care for our patients and ourselves. We will be paid by you, not your insurance company. If you have Medicare, you are welcome here as well. Medicare requires the patient and doctor to sign a waiver promising that we will not bill Medicare for our services. Insurance, Medicaid and Medicare will still cover labs, imaging, medications or hospitalizations prescribed by our office. By being free from insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare this allows us more time with our patients. You receive the care you deserve and need. Decisions about your health are made between you and your doctor - the way it should be!
This is all very new and different stuff.
I want to check things out with my insurance, but what do I ask them?
Dr. Hoffman will be considered an out of network provider. You'll want to ask if an out of network provider orders labs, imaging, referrals or medications, will that service still be covered.
If you want to describe what the type of practice this is, you can describe it as:
If you want to describe what the type of practice this is, you can describe it as:
- Direct Primary Care
- an affordable Concierge Practice
- a Membership Model Practice
Should I still have insurance?
Yes. You need health insurance for the big things like cancer, heart attacks, and car wrecks. We encourage you to have a major medical plan.
By participating in this practice, does this count toward ACA requirements?
Unfortunately, no. Being a member of this practice will not count toward the ACA requirements. You can consider getting a low premium, high deductible plan to pair with our practice for the most economical way for your overall care.
Will I still benefit from a membership even if I don't go to the doctor that often?
Absolutely. You will be able to text, e-mail, and call Dr. Hoffman. Not all problems require a trip to the office. Maintaining your health is very important. The best way to stay healthy is to prevent disease in the first place. Chances are, you have a maintenance plan for your car. Shouldn't you have a maintenance plan for your life? And, you never know when you will be in urgent need of a doctor, and it is nice to have a personal relationship with one when you do.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for the membership?
Your membership fee covers medical office visits and services including an annual physical tailored to your needs. You may be able to use your HSA or FSA for your membership fee, however, we advise that you consult with the plan or your tax accountant.
Is there a limit to the number of patients you'll accept?
Yes. Dr. Hoffman is only one person. There is a balance of what one human can do to provide optimal care. So in order for Dr. Hoffman to have time and flexibility for each patient, enrollment will be limited to 400 patients. The same plan is in effect for Dr. Briggs.
You may choose to stop your membership at any time and be removed as an active patient. If you choose to rejoin, you will be placed on the waiting list for new patients if the panel is full and there will be a re-initiation fee.
You may choose to stop your membership at any time and be removed as an active patient. If you choose to rejoin, you will be placed on the waiting list for new patients if the panel is full and there will be a re-initiation fee.
What if Dr. Hoffman is on vacation?
Unless there is an emergency, we will do our best to notify you when upcoming vacations and away-times are, so that you can plan to be seen before she leaves.
How do I make an appointment?
Call 607-643-4045.
