Frequently Asked Questions

For most DPC members, yes. Staywell Health is designed to function as your primary care home. We manage preventive care, chronic conditions, acute and urgent issues, medications, labs, and care coordination.

There are times when specialists, urgent care, or hospital-based care are needed, and I'll help guide you through that when appropriate. Staywell serves as your main point of contact and advocate within the healthcare system.

This applies to Direct Primary Care membership specifically. If you're only enrolled in a specialty service such as hormone optimization, medical weight loss, aesthetics, or anti-aging and longevity, that program addresses its specific focus area and does not function as primary care. You'll want to maintain a separate primary care provider for your routine and urgent primary care needs unless you also join the DPC membership.

Concierge medicine and direct primary care both focus on access and relationship-based care, but the models are structured differently.

Concierge practices are often significantly more expensive and many still bill insurance on top of a membership fee, which increases overhead and administrative complexity.

Staywell Health is a direct primary care practice. We do not bill insurance, which keeps overhead low and allows more time for care. Those savings are passed on to members through more affordable pricing, longer visits, and personalized care. The focus is simplicity and quality, not luxury perks.

Yes.

This model allows us to focus on prevention, early detection, and building a relationship before problems arise. Many members join to stay healthy, not just to address a specific issue.

Many urgent issues can be handled directly through Staywell Health, often avoiding unnecessary urgent care or emergency room visits.

For urgent needs that can't wait until the next business day, I am available after hours. This does not replace emergency services, and true emergencies should always go to the emergency room. Part of care is helping you understand what can safely be handled here versus when higher-level care is needed.

This after-hours and urgent access is a Direct Primary Care membership benefit. If you're enrolled only in a specialty service such as hormone optimization, medical weight loss, aesthetics, or anti-aging and longevity, you're expected to maintain a separate primary care provider to handle your urgent needs and everyday primary care. Specialty programs address their specific focus area and are not a substitute for having a primary care provider.

Care coordination means helping you navigate the healthcare system so nothing falls through the cracks.

This may include reviewing outside labs, imaging, or specialist notes, helping you understand recommendations, coordinating next steps, or advising on whether further testing or referrals make sense.

Yes.

More testing is not always better care. If something is unlikely to change management or meaningfully improve health, we'll talk about that openly. Decisions are made together and are grounded in evidence, safety, and your goals.

That's common and not a problem.

Staywell Health works alongside your specialists. I help interpret recommendations, coordinate care, and make sure everything aligns with your overall health picture.

That fits well here.

Lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement are foundational parts of care at Staywell Health. Medications and conventional treatments are used when appropriate. This is not an either-or approach.

No. Each of these is available as a standalone service. If you're already a Staywell Health DPC member, you receive a monthly discount on program fees, but membership is not required to enroll.

Yes. Hormone optimization, medical weight loss, aesthetics, and anti-aging and longevity are focused programs, each addressing its specific area of care. They are not a substitute for primary care.

After-hours access, urgent care coverage, and everyday primary care are part of the Direct Primary Care membership specifically. If you're enrolled only in a specialty service, you're expected to maintain a separate primary care provider to handle your urgent needs and routine primary care. If you'd rather have all of it in one place, you can add a DPC membership alongside any specialty service.

Both start with a comprehensive hormone and micronutrient lab panel, interpreted in the context of your symptoms and goals, followed by an individualized protocol.

Men's Hormone Optimization typically centers on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Women's Hormone Optimization typically addresses perimenopause, menopause, and related hormonal shifts through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Yes. Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is available and is not limited to DPC members. Visit our GAHT page for details.

Medical Weight Loss uses physician-guided, individualized protocols, which may include medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide, along with regular monitoring and adjustments as your body responds. Visit the Medical Weight Loss page for full details on what's included and how pricing works.

We currently offer Xeomin, an FDA-approved alternative to Botox, for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Visit the Aesthetics page for more, and no membership is required to book a Xeomin treatment.

No. Peptide therapy isn't a standalone program, it's a tool your provider may build into the plan you're already enrolled in, whether that's weight loss, hormone optimization, or anti-aging and longevity care. Visit the Peptide Therapy page to see where it fits.

Yes.

Staywell Health does not bill insurance for membership or visits, but your insurance can still be used for labs, imaging, specialists, hospital care, and emergency services.

Many labs can be drawn directly in our office for convenience. If coming to the office is not convenient, you may choose to visit a local lab instead. When labs are ordered, we submit your insurance information to the lab, and the lab bills your insurance company directly. Coverage and any out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific plan.

If prior authorization is required by your insurance for certain medications, tests, or procedures, I will handle that as part of your care.

Yes. I strongly recommend maintaining some form of coverage.

While Staywell Health can manage most primary care needs, it does not replace coverage for hospitalizations, emergency care, major imaging, or specialty procedures. Many members pair their Staywell membership with traditional insurance or a health share for broader protection.

A health share is a healthcare cost-sharing program where members contribute a monthly amount that is used to help cover eligible medical expenses.

Health shares are not insurance, but they are often more affordable and can work well for people who want coverage for large, unexpected medical events such as hospitalizations or surgeries. Coverage rules and reimbursement vary by program, so it's important to review the details carefully.

In many cases, yes.

HSA and FSA cards are often accepted for medical services and sometimes for membership fees, but this depends on your specific plan. We provide detailed receipts, but reimbursement is not guaranteed. It's best to confirm eligibility with your plan administrator.