SALUD HEALTHCARE, LLC
Bringing Old-Fashioned Care Forward
Serving New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado
FAQS
WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative alternative payment model improving access to high functioning healthcare with a simple, flat, affordable membership fee. No fee-for-service payments. No third party billing. The defining element of DPC is an enduring and trusting relationship between a patient and their primary care provider. Patients have extraordinary access to a provider of their choice, and we are accountable first and foremost patients.
HOW IS DPC DIFFERENT FROM CONCIERGE CARE?
While both DPC and concierge practices charge membership fees, there are two big differences between the models.
First, DPC practices typically charge a much lower membership fee than concierge. Concierge practices can charge several hundred or even several thousand dollars a month because they typically target high net worth individuals.
Second, concierge practices bill insurance and still operate in a fee-for-service model, leaving patients open to responsibility of co-pays and "surprise bills." DPC practices do not bill insurance for their members.
HOW DOES DPC MODEL SAVE MONEY?
You won't have to pay a co-pay (no payments per visit, just the monthly fee), or hit a deductible amount. Also you'll be able to avoid many visits altogether by sending your questions and concerns via email and text – or hop on a telemedicine visit. We've negotiated low costs on prescription medications, lab tests, and imaging. If we had contracts with insurance companies, we would be forced to charge higher prices.
More importantly, since you are getting all this amazing care from us, you can cut way back on your insurance premiums. Of course, if you are equipped with adequate insurance, you are more than welcome to utilize it for imaging, labs, and medications.
DO I STILL NEED INSURANCE WITH A DPC MEMBERSHIP?
Yes, you will need insurance to cover the services not provided by the practice, such as specialists, hospital care and outside testing. But many people find that they can meet their needs with a low cost major medical policy and /or HSA.
CAN I USEÂ FSA/HSA?
Check with your human resources department regarding the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) as possible payment options for your membership. If you are unable to use these funds to pay for the membership fee directly, there is a good chance that you can still use your HSA/FSA as reimbursement for certain services provided through our office.
CAN I JOIN IF I HAVE MEDICARE?
Yes. You simply sign a Medicare-required private contract which explains your rights and responsibilities. Even though Medicare will not pay us for any services you receive in our practice, your Medicare benefits will otherwise remain unchanged and can continue to be used for all other medical care received outside of our practice.
WHERE CAN I LEARNÂ MORE?
If you don’t see the answer to your question, email us.