What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a different model of health care that focuses on establishing a strong doctor-patient relationship and bypassing the hassles and red tape that are a big part of the modern healthcare industry. The patient pays the doctor via a monthly membership fee and, in return, has timely and complete access to preventative and routine healthcare services. By stepping away from the bureaucracy of health insurance, patients can get comprehensive appointments that are not rushed, in-office visits or via telehealth services whenever needed, and a role in creating their healthcare plan. There’s a greater focus on prevention and patients can access medical advice when symptoms first start to appear, instead of waiting until a small issue has become a health crisis. At Stratos DPC, Dr. Tezaguic and Dr. Swanson can focus on giving you the best care with superior accessibility.

What is included in my monthly membership fee?

Your monthly fee covers extended office visits, including same-day or next-day appointments, video visits, and communications via texts or email. You will have your doctor accessible to you 24/7. Stratos DPC DOES NOT bill your insurance. We are not an insurance plan. With Stratos DPC there are no copays, deductibles, or hidden fees. If you need a specialist or a hospital stay, we can refer and coordinate care. We will act as your advocate. We offer preventative care, family care, and chronic care management for health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and thyroid disorders, as well as these services:

• Urgent/sick care

Am I a good DPC candidate?

You are a good candidate if: 1. You are uninsured or poorly insured; 2. you are a small business owner; 3. you have poor access to your primary care physician; 4. or if you have high healthcare costs, then you may want to consider Stratos DPC. By choosing Stratos DPC, you get compassionate and highly experienced physicians readily available to you 24/7. You receive concierge medicine without the concierge price; premium healthcare at an affordable price.

What does Stratos DPC NOT do?

We do not treat chronic pain conditions or complex mental health issues, nor do we routinely prescribe controlled medications for chronic conditions. We are also not a Workers’ Comp provider. However, when clinically indicated, we have resources available to connect our patients with providers who are able to address such issues.

Will I benefit from the Direct Primary Care model if I don't need regular medical appointments?

Yes. Today's healthcare system focuses on treating symptoms or managing your sickness. At Stratos DPC, we definitely provide sick care and urgent care as needed, but we emphasize preventative care to help identify minor health concerns before they become significant health issues. We encourage your texts, emails, or calls with questions and we ask you to seek care when there's any kind of issue. If you do have to have more frequent medical attention, then we're familiar with you and your health history and can provide excellent care.

What if I'm hesitant to try a new model of health care?

As with most things that are new and different, everyone needs to consider their current situation before making a change. The same is true for healthcare. If you are frustrated with your access to your current healthcare provider, tired of long wait times and short appointment times, feel that you are spending a lot of money for healthcare and not receiving the quality of care you deserve, then seriously consider Stratos DPC. Our goal is to provide our patients with the healthcare of their dreams!

Does Stratos DPC accept insurance?

Stratos DPC does not accept health insurance because the level of care and time spent with our patients is not covered by traditional insurance companies. By not accepting insurance and using a monthly membership fee model, we can save you money and reduce the stress and hassle of managing an insurance company's bureaucratic and arbitrary healthcare decisions. Stratos DPC does strongly encourage its patients to consider having a traditional insurance plan with a high deductible or health sharing plan to cover health care costs not part of your regular primary care services such as hospitalizations, emergency care, or specialist care.

Does Stratos DPC work with Medicare patients?

Absolutely! But we do not bill or charge Medicare for our services, just as we don't accept other forms of insurance. Senior patients with Medicare are usually the ones who can most benefit from the Direct Primary Care model that Stratos DPC provides. We are your personal healthcare advocate, providing longer appointment times for more complex health issues, coordinating with your specialists when needed, and being available to you at all times. If you have Medicare, you will sign a waiver stating that your doctor will not directly bill Medicare for services. Be assured, you may still use your Medicare benefits to cover laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations.

What if I need a medical specialist?

If the services you need are more than what Stratos DPC offers, we can help refer you to the best medical specialist for you. A significant benefit of being a patient at Stratos DPC is that Dr. Tezaguic and Dr. Swanson will coordinate your care and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. If you have health insurance, you can use it to pay for specialist visits.

What if I need to be hospitalized?

Our model of preventative care and close doctor-patient relationship helps prevent many of the issues that require a hospital stay. But if you do need to be hospitalized, Dr. Tezaguic and Dr. Swanson will act as your advocate and make sure your hospital care team has your full health history and is providing excellent care. If you have health insurance, you can use it to pay for hospital stays.

How much does a Stratos DPC membership cost?

You can find more information about our membership fees here.