Frequently Asked Questions
Is Direct Family Care of Northern Colorado insurance?
No. We are a clinic that contracts directly with our patients to provide primary care services. Our plan is membership-based with a low monthly fee, much like a gym membership.
Do I still need insurance?
Yes, insurance is for unplanned costly events.
Does this meet the ACA insurance requirements to avoid tax penalties?
No, not by itself. It is not insurance. However, the ACA (Affordable Care Act) does allow this to meet the minimum requirement if it is combined with a health sharing plan or a high deductible health plan (HDHP). These plans are referred to as "bronze level plans" and can be found on www.ehealthinsurance.com
Who determines which health care services I can have?
Joining our clinic will give you a pure relationship between your doctor and you. 100% of your health care decisions will be determined by you and your physician, not an insurance company. Nobody outside the exam room decides your health care, unless you allow it.
What if I need medications?
We do our best to find you the least expensive alternatives for the medications you need. Aside from using sites such as goodrx.com we also dispense generic medications for wholesale plus 20% prices which can save you significant money every month.
How can I enroll?
Click on the Enroll button on this website which will take you to an enrollment form.
Are there any exclusions for pre-existing conditions?
No. There are no pre-existing condition exclusions and there are no increases in membership fees based on prior health history. In fact, those with multiple chronic medical conditions are perfect for DFC.
I am currently enrolled in Medicare, but I like the service and the prices at DFC. Can I become a DFC member?
Yes. We have opted out of taking Medicare so you can enroll to be a member with us.
Is this concierge medicine?
No. Concierge medicine will charge you a monthly fee for access to their care, and then charge you copays and charge your insurance for your care. We charge a monthly care for your healthcare. We compare to concierge in that we provide attention to detail that is missing in most medical practices. You will always see a physician that works for YOU, not a corporate employer. Expect same day or next day appointment for urgent conditions; extended visits; direct coordination of care; messages returned and prescriptions filled in a timely manner; office staff that knows you; and care provided in a clean and comfortable environment.
Our patients are treated as we would expect our family to be treated.
What does the access fee cover?
The fee covers excellent primary care through office or telemedicine visits, annual wellness exams, basic office procedures, in-office testing, treatment of acute illness and access to your doctor after hours via telemedicine, all with minimal to no wait times in the office.
Our patients will also have access to discounted labs, pathology and imaging.
Can you send me to specialists?
Absolutely. We only have issues if you belong to an HMO as they require in-network referrals. We also have some options for online consults with nation-wide specialists so may save you the cost and time of a local "insurance priced" visit
I own a business. Can I provide DFC membership to my employess?
Of course. Although we aren't a worker's compensation provider since we don't charge for our services, we can treat minor work related problems without any difficulty, often saving a claim on your worker's compensation policity.
What if I decide to cancel?
We expect to have an open, hones, respectful relationship with you. If you have voiced a complaint that we cannot satisfy together, either party can terminate the membership within 30 days of notice.
If you do decide to cancel within the first 3 months of membership you will be charged fair market prices for all services that are rendered up to that point.
I am already paying a monthly fee for health insurance. Why do I need DFC?
In most cases, patients save money by choosing a HDHP an paying directly for medical care through DFC. Plus... At DFC we don't believe insurance should be used for routine, expected medical care. You don't use your car insurance to pay for gasoline or oil changes. Why would you use health insurance for a cold, to treat diabetes or treat high blood pressure? Health insurance should be there to cover unexpected or high ticket medical costs.
How can this be so inexpensive?
Primary care physicians are known for their ability to provide comprehensive high quality care at low cost. For decades, insurers and government agencies have relied on the tremendous cost savings PCPs provide in order to reduce the cost of care. Unfortunately when insurers combine the inexpensive primary care with higher cost medical treatments, procedures and medications, it raises the cost of routine care for everyone and creates a barrier to access.
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At Direct Family Care of Northern Colorado (DFC), we believe that everyone should be able to afford primary care. We have separated primary care from those high cost services to create our membership-based primary care package which gives you back affordable routine services. By combining all of the routine and necessary services into a low monthly fee, our members enjoy an affordable patient centered medical home with true price transparency.
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With DFC, 100% of your expense goes towards your health care and we pass the savings on to you.
How can I save on insurance costs by being a patient of DFC?
You may purchase an expensive plan that requires little or no co-pay and that covers all lab costs and prescription costs. However, with DFC your membership covers your office visits at our practice, In-office tests and many procedures without co-pays or hidden charges. Combined with our discounted labs and imaging our patients may find it worthwhile to change from a high priced health insurance plan to a low cost basic health insurance plan to potentially save thousands.
What if I need to go to the hospital?
This program does not cover hospital care. This is why we suggest you look into a high deductible health plan (HDHP) for catastrophic coverage. Should you require admission to the hospital we will be glad to help coordinate that for you.
