Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, 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.

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.

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.

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.