FAQ

Direct primary care (DPC) is a type of healthcare delivery model in which patients pay a monthly or annual fee to their primary care provider for access to comprehensive medical services, typically on a membership basis. DPC typically includes primary care services such as regular check-ups, diagnostic tests, and routine procedures, as well as same- or next-day appointments, longer visit times, and access to their healthcare provider via phone or email. DPC providers may also offer additional services such as telemedicine, lab testing, and discounted prescription drugs. The DPC model is designed to provide patients with more personalized and accessible care, while also reducing costs.

Of course. We think that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health.  We’re here for your reactive needs too, but proactive healthcare is important, just like regular service checks for your automobile. 

At Citadel Health Center, we have the gift of time. Every visit, for whatever reason, will be easygoing in its absolute thoroughness, relaxed in answering your questions and addressing the need of the moment. 

No. We see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your family’s care.

We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payors. This direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent healthcare providers from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.

Yes. We recommend our patients have some sort of coverage for catastrophic needs - either a medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account or a health sharing plan. This will help ensure that you have financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. 

You will often be able to use your insurance benefits to help cover the costs of medications, labs and imaging tests if you desire. 

• Please note that if you have an HMO plan, your insurance may require that anything be ordered through your assigned insurance PCP (not us) in order to use your benefits.  
• We recommend you check with your insurance directly to fully understand your coverage.

Some benefit administrators allow you to use your HSA to pay your monthly DPC membership. We encourage you to check with your plan administrator to find out the details of your coverage. Tell them that your invoice will say "medical services".  You can absolutely use your HSA to pay for labs, imaging and other incidental charges.

Yes, but we do not participate with Medicare (or any other insurance plan). You will need to sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. You will pay the applicable monthly fee just like any other patient. Medicare will usually still cover any laboratory testing, imaging or medications prescribed by our office depending on your coverage.

In providing superb care with unprecedented access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations. In instances where those types of care are required, you can seek care at the hospital of your choice. We do not having admitting privileges at any of the hospitals, but we are happy to answer any questions from the team taking care of you in the hospital. In the event you need care from a specialist, we will refer you to the specialist of your choice.

We do not carry vaccines in our office. We will review your immunization record during your appointment and let you know which vaccines you may be due for according to the CDC schedule. Most major pharmacies provide vaccines for anyone age 3 and older. For those under 3, we recommend you go to your county health department to receive vaccines.

Yes!  Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, for urgent issues you may call your healthcare provider directly after hours.  We do not provide emergency services, but will do our best to help you get the care you need.  For non-urgent issues, you can email or text your healthcare provider. 

For medical emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Naturally we provide such care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of Citadel’s independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text or webcam. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances. In some cases, you may need to find a local provider for conditions that require an in-person evaluation.

Yes. We care perform pap smears for cervical cancer screening, breast exams, IUD removals, hormone replacement therapy and select other gynecological procedures. We do not provide prenatal care, but we are comfortable caring for pregnant women and will continue to take care of you while you are pregnant and coordinate you care with your OBGYN or Midwife.

No. The only option for care through Citadel Health Center is membership. However, there is no long-term commitment required. If you decide our practice isn't a good fit for your needs, you just need to give us 30-day notice to cancel your membership.

No.  We are better described as an integrative primary care practice. We have access to the same tests and supplements commonly used by functional medicine practices, but we use them less than what most functional medicine practices do. We also use traditional prescription medicines when needed. We do offer UBI and ozone therapy. If you are looking for a functional medicine practitioner go to https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner to find a certified functional medicine practitioner in your area.