Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is Direct Primary Care?

Accepted Answer

Direct Primary Care is a membership-based healthcare model that provides unlimited access to your physician for a simple monthly fee, without insurance billing. Enjoy longer appointments, same-day or next-day visits, and personalized care.

Question 2

What's included in the membership?

Accepted Answer

Your membership includes unlimited scheduled in-office and telehealth visits, direct phone, text, or secure messaging access, same- or next-day appointments when available, preventive care, and coordination with specialists and other healthcare services—all for one flat monthly fee.

Question 3

What services are not included?

Accepted Answer

Laboratory testing, imaging, medications, vaccines, specialist or hospital care, and certain wellness services are billed separately. We provide transparent pricing before any additional services are performed.

Question 4

Do I still need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Direct Primary Care is not health insurance. We recommend keeping major medical coverage for services outside your membership, such as hospital and emergency care, specialists, imaging, and many laboratory tests. Your North Core membership works alongside your insurance, not in place of it.

Question 5

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do not bill insurance for primary care services. We recommend maintaining health insurance to cover hospitalizations, specialist care, imaging, surgeries, and emergencies.

Question 6

What if I have Medicare or Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

You may continue using Medicare or Medicaid for services outside North Core Medical. Because Dr. Raj and Dr. Path have opted out of Medicare, primary care services provided at North Core Medical cannot be billed to Medicare.

Question 7

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for my membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Qualifying Direct Primary Care membership fees can generally be paid or reimbursed using HSA funds. FSA reimbursement may depend on your specific plan, so we recommend confirming with your plan administrator. We can provide itemized receipts upon request.

Question 8

How do I become a member?

Accepted Answer

Simply complete our online enrollment form or contact our office. We'll help you choose the membership that's right for you.

Question 9

Can I join at any time during the year?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New patients are welcome year-round, subject to physician availability.

Question 10

Can I join if I already have a primary care physician?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You're welcome to join at any time, whether you're changing physicians or simply looking for a different approach to primary care.

Question 11

Is there a contract?

Accepted Answer

No long-term contract is required. Membership is billed monthly and may be canceled according to our membership agreement.

Question 12

Do you offer employer memberships for businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We partner with businesses to offer Direct Primary Care as an employee benefit. Discounted group rates are available based on the number of enrolled employees, with customized plans to fit your business.

Question 13

Do you care for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide primary care for children, adults, and older adults.

Question 14

How long are appointments?

Accepted Answer

Most appointments are 30 to 60 minutes, allowing plenty of time to address your concerns without feeling rushed.

Question 15

Can I contact my physician between visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members have direct access to their physician by secure messaging, text, or phone for many routine questions and follow-up care.

Question 16

Do you offer same-day appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whenever possible, we offer same-day or next-day appointments for urgent medical concerns.

Question 17

What if I need care after hours?

Accepted Answer

Members can contact their physician directly for many urgent concerns after hours. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Question 18

What if I'm traveling or away from home?

Accepted Answer

Many health concerns can be managed by phone or secure messaging. If in-person care is needed, we'll help guide you to appropriate local medical services.

Question 19

What happens if I need a specialist?

Accepted Answer

We'll coordinate your referral and work closely with your specialist to ensure seamless, continuous care.

Question 20

Can you order lab work and imaging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can order laboratory tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic studies, often at discounted cash prices or through your insurance.

Question 21

What wellness services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer weight management, men's health, women's health, hormone therapy, preventive wellness services, and more. Some wellness services are available to both members and non-members.

Question 22

Do you perform Immigration Medical Exams (Form I-693)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Path is a designated USCIS Civil Surgeon and performs Immigration Medical Examinations (Form I-693) by appointment. This service is available to both members and non-members and is billed separately from the DPC membership.

Understanding Direct Primary Care

Insurance, Medicare and Payments

Becoming a Member

Your Care and Access

Services and Coordination

Reserve Your Place at North Core Medical