FAQs

+ What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative alternative payment model improving access to healthcare with a 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 his or her primary care provider. The innovative model transforms the way we practice medicine by allowing us to prioritize our relationship with our patients.

In the DPC model, patients have extraordinary access to a physician of their choice and physicians are accountable first and foremost to their patients. DPC is embraced by health policymakers on the left and right as a model that results in satisfied patients and doctors.

+ What is Lifestyle Medicine?

Lifestyle Medicine is the foundation of conventional medical care and intervention. Through wellness coaching, Lifestyle Medicine practitioners help patients implement proactive healthcare approaches, such as maintaining a plant-predominant dietary lifestyle, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, avoid risky substance use, and positive social connection. This approach prevents, treats, and often reverses lifestyle-related, chronic disease.

+ What if I’m healthy and only see the doctor once or twice a year? Is Wellspring DPC for me?

Absolutely. One of the best aspects of a DPC clinic is the opportunity for prevention. Our goal is to prevent disease rather than react to disease, the heart of our Lifestyle Medicine approach. We can keep you on-track through providing wellness coaching, specifically targeting diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene, key components of a long and healthy life.

Also, many of us have medical conditions that start small, and we often don’t see a doctor because of the cost and inconvenience. Unfortunately those seemingly insignificant issues can lead to serious concerns later on -- addressing them early is crucial. That’s why we’re here.

And chances are, at some point, you will get unexpectedly sick or have an inconvenient accident or injury. Wellspring will be there for you, able to give you the care you need without long waits, expensive urgent care co-pays, or ER fees. One saved ER visit can often pay for an entire year’s membership fees.

+ How does your pharmacy work?

We purchase medications at wholesale prices and pass these cash-pay only savings on to our patients, providing common medications at a fraction of the cost. For example, a course of antibiotics may cost less than $2, or you can get a 30-day prescription of blood pressure medication for under $1, this is far less than most prescription plans charge in co-pays alone. We dispense at our clinic -- there’s no need for another stop at the pharmacy. But if you do want to use your prescription insurance, we will also prescribe to any pharmacy that you request. Our in-house pharmacy is only available to our members. If you want a quote on a medication, please contact our office.

+ Does Wellspring accept health insurance?

No, which we’re really excited about! We employ the Direct Primary Care model using a flat, monthly membership fee. We don’t participate in insurance so there is no middleman. Our only obligation is to you, the patient. We save enormously by cutting out the time and expense devoted to insurance companies’ endless paperwork and clerical demands. We devote our resources where they belong—in taking care of you.

+ As a member of Wellspring, will I still need health insurance?

Yes. Wellspring DPC is not an insurance plan, nor does it replace insurance. We recommend carrying insurance to cover you for hospitalizations, surgeries, and other care that is not included in the membership fee. Since they have no need for primary care coverage, many DPC members find that they save considerably by obtaining a high-deductible insurance plan or joining a medical cost share program.

+ Can I submit my Wellspring expenses to Medicare for reimbursement?

No, your monthly membership fee cannot be submitted to Medicare for reimbursement.

+ What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?

We seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals through improved access and our holistic approach. If you are hospitalized, we will coordinate your care with the hospital’s team. Hospital care is not covered by our fee. That’s where your insurance comes in. Our providers will work closely with the hospital team upon your admission and discharge so there is continuity in your care.

If you need a specialist, one of our providers will refer you, leveraging their professional network to find the best fit care for you. In some circumstances, we can communicate with a specialist about your condition and get a treatment plan without you actually seeing the specialist, saving you money and time.

+ Does Wellspring provide pediatric care?

We care for patients of all ages, newborn and up!

+ Do you dispense controlled medications for chronic pain or anxiety?

Wellspring does not keep any controlled medications in the clinic.

We do not manage chronic pain ​and will not routinely prescribe narcotics or other controlled substances (Tramadol, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Soma, etc.) on an on-going basis. We recognize chronic pain management as a specialized field of medicine and believe long-term treatment of chronic pain should be addressed by a board certified pain management physician in an accredited pain management center.

We do not routinely prescribe controlled substances for the long-term treatment of anxiety. Anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Valium (diazepam) may be prescribed for the short-term treatment of acute anxiety, or on an infrequent "as-needed" basis, but will not be prescribed for routine long-term use. Antidepressants and certain other anti-anxiety medications are not controlled substances and will be prescribed as needed.

+ What if I need to get an X-ray or other imaging done?

Basic X-ray or any advanced imaging (MRI, CT, etc.) can be completed at lower negotiated cash rates through our partnerships in Asheville, or members may elect to use their insurance for coverage.

+ Are my medical records ever shared with insurance carriers or government agencies?

Not unless you ask us to. Patient privacy is a natural benefit of this medical model. We will never provide any third party with a copy of your records, unless you specifically ask us to do so or if required by law. Review our Notice of Privacy Practices here.

+ Can I contact my provider after hours?

Yes. We understand that illness doesn’t always respect usual business hours. Therefore, as a member of Wellspring you will be given access to your provider through a secure app for urgent concerns that come up unexpectedly after hours.

+ What if I want to cancel? Will I be obligated to a long contract?

No. If you decide that DPC is not for you (we don’t think you will), you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice — no questions asked. Review our Patient Agreement form here.

+ What does Wellspring’s dietitian do? Can I meet with her individually?

As Wellspring’s in-house dietitian, Clara Collie provides nutrition services for Wellspring members. She offers free group classes, personalized one-on-one nutrition and lifestyle coaching packages at a reduced rate, and is available to answer any nutrition-related questions members may have. You may contact Clara directly at clara@wellspringdpc.com for more information, including package pricing.