Family First: patient-centered, affordable, friendly

– This concept is a great solution for uninsured and underinsured patients as well as for everyone with a high deductible health plan. The deductible part of your health insurance can be annoying because it is associated with your out-of-pocket expenses. What we offer at Family First, is called direct care membership. It’s a business model that allows us as primary care providers to offer our services directly to the patients, without insurance companies in the middle—in exchange for a membership fee. This model includes up to 15 visits per year. Monthly payments cover visits, writing prescriptions, and consultations. If you have used all 15 visits, every additional sick visit will only cost you $75. An unused visit can be transferred to the next month. Also, there is an annual wellness visit which is totally free of charge.

– There is an enrollment fee as well as a membership fee which varies depending on a patient’s age and family size. The enrollment fee is a one-time payment, the individual rate is $49 and the family rate is $149. Minors can only be enrolled with an adult, like a parent or older sibling. The youth / teen rate is $69 per month for 12-18 y.o., adult rates are $115 for 19-62 y.o. and $125 for 65+. Family rates vary for smaller and larger families.
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This business model is a unique way to avoid using patients’ health insurance plans. You have probably heard of Concierge providers which is a practice providing on-demand medical services in select US cities. Unlike our business model, Concierge providers charge both health insurance and membership. Family First is much more affordable.

– I do recommend having a “backup plan” to feel safe in the event your primary services or coverage is not able to meet your needs. Your health insurance will be your protection covering your diagnostic tests and emergency medical costs, that is why it is always better to maintain that coverage, as well. Certain diagnostic tests are available at Family First including ultrasound, EKG, blood work, urinalysis, COVID testing, pregnancy, and UTI testing. I work along with my supervising physician, Dr. Sieghart Ponhold, M.D., on prompt detection of anything suspicious in your test results and giving you a referral if needed.

– Our services were inspired by a few pilot projects successfully started in different states. However, the Family First program is definitely a unique one. Our primary motivation is to help both patients and healthcare providers establish and build trusting relationships. For example, cash-only emergency clinics do exist but they don’t offer any membership nor guaranteed visits, and are unlikely to foster the kind of reliable relationship Family First provides.

– Absolutely. We are flexible so our approach is tailored to your individual needs. You can schedule an appointment upfront or just come in for a same day visit. Insured patients and Medicare patients are always welcomed as well. In any case, start with giving us a call.
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Moreover, I do home health services which means home visits to see patients who can’t come to our clinic in person. This has proven to be very beneficial to a growing population of aging patients who are residents of assisted living facilities and are unable to see doctors as often as needed.
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We also do telehealth visits, which is another remote option. We use specialized telehealth software, not just Skype or Zoom calls, so your personal data and conversations are always protected. Simply give us a call and request a telehealth visit. You will be scheduled and receive a link to join your telehealth session. Using this software, you can record your session if needed and even schedule your appointment online. Quick and easy.

– Yes, this is a very important part of my mission—to provide patients in need with high-quality healthcare services. To learn more, contact us and ask if a free visit is still available this month. In case it is not, we will schedule you for the next month.

– We offer children’s wellness visits, cold and flu treatment, acne treatment, diabetes and cholesterol consultations, weight management, vitamin management, and many more. Don’t forget sports clearance in case your child is attending athletic training. We can also do pre-school and back-to-school checkups, which can be difficult to schedule with many pediatricians.

– I still see COVID-19 patients from time to time, but this COVID-19 is completely different these days. Herd immunity works against it and protects us. However, I would recommend seniors, especially residents of busy assisted living facilities, still be extra careful.

– Patients can save a lot with us. But there are a few additional benefits such as meaningful patient-provider relationships. It means that your medical history will always be nicely kept and no important information will be missing. For us, you are not just a random customer. You are a valued patient. In case of an emergency, feel free to text or call us even outside of our office hours.  Our goal is giving you personalized healthcare services and attention. Conventional healthcare practices keep themselves distanced from their patients; it is too common when a doctor is only able to spend a couple minutes to see a patient. As a business owner, I create my own rules based on my wish to keep you and your family healthy at every stage of life. For me, my patients are not just numbers. I love all of them and will always treat them in the best way possible. My staff is incredibly friendly. We totally understand the level of stress and anxiety possibly caused by your illness. But we make sure that you feel our support and empathy.
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We are here for you. We are going to be friends!