It doesn’t. Instead, it allows us to work directly for you, rather than for insurance companies. The for-profit insurance industry has put many layers between people and their doctors, leaving less time for visits, and has industrialized our industry. As far as doctors go, this has made us feel rushed, overwhelmed, and pulled in too many directions when we would rather be working with you to improve your health. By not working directly with insurance, we can:
These are all included with Direct Primary Care. There will be many times when we can deal with an issue by messaging or phone that we can’t afford to do with insurance coverage plans.
We do not bill Medicare in our Direct Primary Care practice. Medicare simply doesn’t acknowledge or pay for many of the unique and helpful services we offer in our Direct Primary Care practice so we opt out of billing them. If you are currently enrolled with Medicare and want to switch to Direct Primary Care to save money or for the unique services it offers you will be asked to sign a form at or before your first visit that shows you understand we will not bill Medicare for any of our Direct Primary Care practice visits or services and that you agree to not bill Medicare for any of our services. Your Medicare may still be billed for any and all services outside our Direct Primary Care practice, including but not limited to labs, radiology, specialist visits, and hospital care. Being a part of our Direct Primary Care practice doesn’t impact your ability to use Medicare for everything else!
We recommend everyone have some form of health insurance, but health insurance is not required simply to be a member of our Direct Primary Care practice. Health insurance helps pay for things that happen outside of our clinic. Most individuals or families will want to have a high deductible plan that covers catastrophic events. Our affordable membership is designed to cover your basic primary care needs for a predictable, transparent monthly price.
Excellent question. Health insurance doesn’t guarantee you access to a doctor, to quality care or to the type of care you want. What we offer is a reliable, continuous partnership with patients with a staff and doctors who really know you. In Direct Primary Care we offer the ability to communicate directly and in a timely manner. We will reserve same/next day visits for all Direct Primary Care members. Ultimately this model can save a lot of money for the individual and the system. It offers better access and better care. The model may not be for everyone, but many are finding it ideal for their medical care.
Current laws state that HSA dollars cannot be used for your Direct Primary Care membership fee, but can be used for all other medical care you receive, including labs, radiology, hospital care, specialty visits, etc. FSAs may be used depending on the employer’s FSA criteria, so check directly with your employer or plan administrator, especially if you’re a part of our Direct Primary Care for local businesses. There is current legislation to change this with the Primary Care Enhancement Act: Congress Bill SB128.
You’re paying for access whether you use our clinic once yearly or weekly for chronic needs. By design this model is meant to be used collaboratively to improve your health. Your monthly cost is a great investment in your health and helps to sustain us as a practice to continue to deliver care to the thousands in our community. For your monthly fee you receive unlimited clinic visits (typically whenever you need them), home visits (when appropriate), communication through your portal, texts, email, telemedicine and phone calls. In addition many will save large sums on their monthly medication costs due to our low cost refill option.
Our monthly fee is based on age. It will increase after age 64. All memberships may be subject to increases, but members will be notified in advance of potential yearly changes.
No. Concierge Medicine charges high ACCESS fees but still bills insurance or Medicare. Our model does not bill for any of our services either. You can expect the benefits and level of care provided on a personalized basis.
Vaccines are offered in our clinic for pediatric and adult members.
Yes, Direct Primary Care is our only option.
Any service that happens outside our clinic is not included – imaging, specialists visits, hospitalizations, physical therapy, etc.
Your hospital stay will be billed to your insurance or Medicare as usual. You’ll still get follow-up care here in our clinic via Direct Primary Care visits. Current data show that patients in Direct Primary Care practices have fewer hospitalizations.
You can still access your Direct Primary Care membership even if you travel or live anywhere else in the world for part of the year. Our visits will take place via telemedicine, phone or text/email messaging.
You may cancel your membership at any time as per your contract. After 3 months you may apply to rejoin our Direct Primary Care practice. Eventide cannot guarantee re-enrollment.
With Eventide Direct Care for business option it may be possible for you to help provide healthcare to your employees at a more affordable rate or earn back the out-of-pocket expenses you would otherwise pay. We can also provide services for those who are unable to be insured including migrant workers. Your employees in this model statistically have fewer sick days, less hospital and ER admissions and can therefore be more productive members of your team. They no longer have to miss work for a last minute appointment.
Per Washington State law for Direct Primary Care practices we cannot contract directly with your business BUT you may pay the membership dues for your employees with the option of paying for their family if you would like this to be part of your benefits package.
Membership does NOT mean this is insurance or comprehensive coverage so it is strongly advised for you or your employees to look for a reasonable, low cost but high deductible coverage for hospitalizations, ER visits or high cost healthcare. Our plan only covers primary care at Eventide Health.
Membership includes:
Please contact us if you would like to schedule a meeting to review membership benefits and how this model could save you money.
Offering personalized, direct primary care services in Friday Harbor, Washington. Our patient-centered approach ensures transparent, timely, and unlimited access to healthcare without the hassle of insurance intermediaries. Connect with us to take a step towards a healthier, happier life.
(360) 378-1338 or visit our clinic at:
232 A Street, #C3,
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Please send medical records to:
P.O. Box 1550
Friday Harbor, WA 98250