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The Basics
What is direct primary care?
Why would I pay a monthly membership if I do not visit the doctor often?
At Nurture Well Center, your wellness is our priority and we want to maintain that health. Wellness programs are also included in the membership. This in addition to your physical and acute care needs. Monthly payments keep healthcare costs consistent and affordable, while providing increased access to Dr. Towolawi in a timely manner.
No, concierge care bills a patient’s insurance and requires payment of a large, annual retainer fee.
Concierge medicine and Direct Primary Care are often used interchangeably but, although they do share some similarities, there may be significant differences depending on the practice. Both concierge and DPC limit patient panel size and charge a monthly or annual fee, but concierge fees are usually higher, sometimes up to thousands of dollars a year. Another significant difference is that concierge medicine often continues to charge co-pays for each visit and bill insurance. DPC is a model based on a direct relationship between the physician and the patient, bypassing insurance to reduce costs, making it more affordable for patients. No co-pays. No deductibles No hidden charges !
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Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a patient-centered healthcare model that emphasizes accessibility, quality, and affordability. By eliminating traditional fee-for-service insurance, DPC offers patients unlimited visits and comprehensive primary care services for a flat, transparent monthly fee. This approach fosters stronger doctor-patient relationships, reduces administrative overhead, and prioritizes personalized, unhurried care tailored to individual needs.
Is Nurture Well Center considered concierge care?
What if I need medical care while I’m traveling?
We can usually care for you even when you’re away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated by communication through phone, secure text, and virtual visits. If necessary and appropriate, we can call prescriptions into the pharmacy nearest you (domestic locations only).
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What is your policy on controlled substances?
We believe that controlled substances, both narcotics ( Norco, Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, etc.) and benzodiazepines (Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Xanax, etc), have a limited role in primary care and therefore Dr. Towolawi prescribes them rarely and only very sparingly.
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What kind of commitment is required to become a member?
Nurture Well Center members sign a patient enrollment agreement, but there is no contract in regards to patients being locked in to services for a certain length of time. Patients may cancel their membership with 30 days notice.
What happens if I need to be hospitalized?
When hospitalization is necessary we will collaborate with the hospitalist during your hospital stay. We are able to make social visits to our hospitalized patients and encourage you to let us know if you are hospitalized.
Do you see children in your practice?
Yes! We are a family medicine practice, however we are not accepting new pediatric patients at this time
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Will I need insurance if I am a member?
Insurance is not required to join the practice, however we recommend that you have insurance even though we do not bill insurance. It's important to have some sort of coverage for emergencies, hospitalizations, long-term care, specialists, and unexpected illnesses. Many patients opt for a higher deductible plan with an HSA to save for emergencies and since our practice does not charge your deductible, this can save patients hundreds to thousands of dollars in medical bills each year.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA To Pay For Services?
You should be able to use your Health Savings Account/Plan (HSA/HSP) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for membership services. Always verify with your employer about this. Both types of accounts can be used for labs, imaging and medications.
I have Medicare, can I still join the practice?
Yes , with the understanding that Medicare eligible patients CANNOT
(just like non-Medicare eligible patient )submit claims for services rendered at
direct primary care practices like Nurture Well Center due to federal healthcare
rules and regulations.