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. Some of the greatest value of primary care happens before you are sick. Membership gives us time to focus on prevention, health goals, screening, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and early concerns that might otherwise be ignored. And when an unexpected illness or injury does occur, you already have a healthcare team that knows you.

+ How does your pharmacy work?

We purchase many commonly used medications at wholesale cost and pass those savings directly to our members. When available, medications can be dispensed from our office for convenient cash-pay pricing. We can also send prescriptions electronically to the pharmacy of your choice.

+ 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. Feel free to contact our office for a copy of our Privacy Practices.

+ 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. Feel free to contact our office for a copy of our Patient Agreement.