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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE (DPC)?

DPC is a newer model of healthcare delivery that focuses on putting the patient first and restoring the patient-doctor relationship. That means treating the patient when they need it, never rushing through appointments, and being proactive in creating treatment plans. 


For a low, flat monthly fee, you get unlimited office visits with no copays, direct access to your doctor by phone, text, email, or same day or next day visits, extended, relaxed office visits, access to discounts on labs, pathology, and imaging, all without the need for insurance. We remove the intrusiveness of health insurance and deliver affordable and personal care, unparalleled by any other model. 

WHY "OODLE"?

Dr. Eaman named this new practice after her mother, Allyn Ravitz, who passed away 9/30/2016. Oodle was her mother's Hebrew name, an unforgettable name for an unforgettable woman. Read more about Allyn here if you like.

ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

No. The purpose of direct care is direct patient-physician care, no middleman, no insurance company to impose arbitrary measures to increase their profits and decrease your quality care. The direct nature of this model frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians in traditional practice from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, medications, and imaging. However, you still can opt use your insurance for labs, imaging and medications if desired, since the lab, imaging center or pharmacy can directly bill your insurance. 

SHOULD I STILL HAVE INSURANCE?

Yes. It's important to have some sort of coverage for emergencies, hospitalizations, long-term care, specialists, and unexpected illnesses. Many DPC patients opt for a higher deductible plan with an HSA to save for emergencies and since DPC does not charge your deductible, this can save patients hundreds to thousands of dollars in medical bills each year.

WHAT ABOUT SPECIALISTS AND HOSPITAL STAYS?

In providing superb care with unprecedented sorts of access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay as well as work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.

I HAVE MEDICARE. CAN I STILL JOIN THE PRACTICE?

Yes. You only need to sign a one time waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations ordered by our office.

CAN I USE MY HSA/FSA TO PAY FOR SERVICES?

For an HSA, this is still unclear.  A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can be used on what your employer deems appropriate when setting this service up, so talk to your Human Resources or your employer about this. Both types of accounts can be used for labs, imaging and medications.

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