FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model that eliminates the red tape and restrictions placed on traditional medical practices, and instead puts the patients first. Learn More
WHAT IS FAMILY MEDICINE OF POOLER (FMOP)?
Family Medicine Of Pooler (FMOP) is Savannah's first Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice offering a pattern of healthcare that is accessible, easily affordable, complete, and very personalized. Learn More
WHAT SETS FAMILY MEDICINE OF POOLER APART FROM OTHER PRACTICES?
FMOP cut the red tape of bureaucracy by kicking the government and insurance companies out of our practice. In doing so, we've removed the onerous requirements and restrictions placed on traditional medical practices, allowing us to instead devote our time to where it really makes a difference: with our patients. By refusing to allow any interference with the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, we've returned family medicine to its root values of providing personal, comprehensive, and continuing care for the entire family. Learn More
IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE THE SAME AS CONCIERGE MEDICINE?
No, Direct Primary Care (DPC) and concierge (VIP) practice models are different, although they do share some things in common, such as having membership fees and small patient panels .
VIP charges significantly higher membership fees PLUS retail prices for medical services,
DPC has much lower member rates with INCLUDED medical services.
WILL I BENEFIT IF I DON'T REQUIRE FREQUENT MEDICAL ATTENTION?
Absolutely. We believe that everyone benefits from medical services tailored directly for them, which is why we offer personalized custom healthcare. Although we are here to treat your immediate medical needs, we feel that being proactive with preventative healthcare is equally important. Time is our ally, and we dedicate a good amount of time to each patient at every visit so we can build a comprehensive and intimate knowledge of your healthcare needs, which will invariably lead to better overall health.
DO YOU ACCEPT HEALTH INSURANCE?
No….proudly no! The most critical distinction of our practice model revolves around a very personal and direct relationship between the doctor and patient. We refuse to allow any insurer to get in the way of that precious relationship by trying to influence the quality or cost of your family's care. As such, we happily forgo payments from insurance companies in order to save our patients from the arbitrarily intrusive decisions that subsequently come from third-party payers. Additionally, it removes the typical contractual restrictions that would normally prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on labs, imaging, and prescription medications.
DO FMOP PATIENTS STILL NEED HEALTH INSURANCE?
No, but we strongly recommend for our patients to have a qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), HealthShare Ministry Plan, or ERISA based employer plan to ensure financial security should expensive medical needs arise outside of the scope of primary care, such as cancer, hospitalization, or specialty care.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Simply call, text, or email us before the end of any month and your membership will not renew the following month. However, payment for the running month is still due, even if your payment draft date is later in the running month than the day you submitted your cancellation.
DO YOU PROVIDE EMPLOYER GROUP BENEFITS?
Yes. For groups of 5+ employees, we waive the registration fees and offer the lowest pricing point ($65/mo/employee), regardless of age. Learn More
IF I HAVE MEDICARE, CAN I STILL JOIN FMOP?
Yes, but you will need to sign a one-time waiver stating that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover lab tests, imaging studies, prescription meds, or hospitalizations we may prescribe.
IS MY MEMBERSHIP TO FMOP TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Sadly, no, DPC fees are not tax deductible as they are not yet recognized by the IRS as "qualified medical expenses". Please consult with your tax advisor for further information.
WHAT ABOUT HOSPITALIZATIONS OR SPECIALTY CARE?
By providing unparalleled access to your physician and specialist eConsults via RubiconMD, we hope to minimize referrals to specialists or hospitals. However, if needed, we will work closely with your hospitalist and/or specialists to help manage your care. Learn More
DO YOU ACCEPT CHILDREN AS PATIENTS?
Yes, we readily welcome children (birth to 19 years of age) of our enrolled patients. Please note that we are not able to provide vaccinations for young children, but we can help you arrange these.
HOW CAN I CONTACT MY PHYSICIAN AFTER HOURS?
Since urgent medical needs don't always happen during business hours, you can call, text, email, video chat (Telemedicine), social media message, etc. your physician any time. It's how we provide personalized healthcare.
WHAT IF I'M OUT OF TOWN AND REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION?
The independence we've gained by removing the restrictions of third-party payers has allowed us to communicate more freely. Because we know our patients so well, many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated remotely via phone, email, text or webcam (TeleHealth). We can find a pharmacy near you and order the appropriate medications, regardless of your location. Learn More
WILL MY MEDICAL RECORDS BE SHARED WITH ANY THIRD PARTY?
Your medical records are very secure and will never be shared with any third-parties, including insurance or pharmaceutical companies, unless explicitly requested by you.
DO YOU TREAT WORK INJURIES?
No. Since we do not accept Workers’ Compensation (WC), we recommend that patients only use the “authorized treating physicians” approved by their employers to avoid issues with their claims.
WILL I BE SEEN BY AN NP OR PA?
No, we do not employ or train NPs or PAs, so you will always be diagnosed/treated by a Board Certified Physician (M.D.).
HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR ME?
People unfamiliar with our revolutionary practice model believe it sounds too good to be true. If that is the case, we invite you to come and see it for yourself by scheduling a free unconditional meet-and-greet. Get in touch now!