Question 1

What is concierge medicine or direct primary care (DPC)?

Accepted Answer

Concierge medicine and DPC are healthcare models where patients pay a monthly or annual membership fee for personalized, comprehensive primary care services. This model emphasizes accessibility, longer appointments, and a direct doctor-patient relationship enabling more thorough, patient-centered care without the restrictions of insurance networks or unnecessary bureaucracy.

Think of us as your personal healthcare team, always ready to help. Our goal is to keep you healthy, give you peace of mind, and make healthcare simple and stress-free.

Here are some of the many benefits:

Unlimited Access to Your Doctor: See Dr. Dan as often as needed, with no extra cost per visit. 
Extended, Unrushed Appointments: Spend more time with Dr. Dan, discussing concerns and receiving personalized care. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, talk about your health, and work together on a plan that’s right for you.
Direct Access: Communicate directly with Dr. Dan and his team via phone, text, or email, ensuring prompt responses and personalized attention.
Same-Day or Next-Day Appointments: Eliminate long wait times and receive timely medical attention when you need it most.
Preventive and Integrative Approach: Focus on wellness, longevity, and holistic health rather than just symptom management.
Comprehensive Primary Care Services: Membership includes regular checkups to keep you healthy, care for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, help when you’re feeling sick or need urgent care, preventive screenings and wellness advice, and more.
Enhanced Coordination of Care: Seamless referrals and collaborations with specialists for optimal treatment outcomes.
No Insurance Hassles: Avoid delays, denials, and excessive paperwork associated with traditional insurance-based care.
Simple, Transparent Pricing: You pay a flat monthly or annual fee—like a subscription. No hidden costs or surprise bills.

Question 2

Why doesn't Professional Integrative Care take insurance?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the main questions we are asked, and we understand why it can be frustrating to learn that Professional Integrative Care does not accept insurance. However, there's good reason for it!

Professional Integrative Care does not accept insurance because we want to provide high-quality, personalized healthcare. Insurance billing comes with a lot of restrictions and costs that have significant impact on the healthcare patients receive. By cutting out the insurance bureaucracy, our membership model allows us to prioritize your health and well-being without interference from insurance companies. Care that is not mandated by the regulations of insurance allows Dr. Dan to provide holistic, patient-centered care and focus on prevention, lifestyle medicine, and personalized treatment, resulting in better health outcomes and a stronger doctor-patient relationship.

Here's why Dr. Dan prefers a membership model:

1. More Time with Patients
Longer, unhurried appointments (30–60 minutes) allow for deeper discussions about lifestyle, nutrition, stress, and holistic health approaches.
Dr. Dan can develop personalized treatment plans based on a patients' unique needs and goals rather than rushing through visits due to insurance-imposed time constraints.
2. Whole-Person, Preventative Focus
Integrative medicine emphasizes prevention, lifestyle changes, and holistic treatments, which are often not reimbursed by insurance.
This model allows Dr. Dan to focus on root causes of illness instead of just treating symptoms with quick fixes.
3. More Treatment Freedom
Insurance companies often limit or deny coverage for holistic therapies, functional medicine testing, and alternative treatments (e.g., acupuncture, herbal medicine, IV therapy).
In our model, Dr. Dan can recommend the most effective treatments without insurance interference.
4. Personalized, Integrative Care
Dr. Dan can blend conventional medicine with natural and holistic approaches, tailoring care based on each patient’s values and preferences.
This is especially beneficial for chronic disease management, gut health, hormone balancing, and mind-body wellness.
5. Better Chronic Disease Management
Conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and chronic fatigue often require functional medicine testing and lifestyle coaching that insurance does not cover.
Our model allows proactive, personalized treatment plans without insurance hurdles.
6. More Direct Doctor-Patient Access
Members typically get same-day or next-day appointments and direct communication (calls, texts, emails) with their doctor.
No insurance restrictions mean patients can ask questions without scheduling a formal visit or worrying about extra fees.
7. Transparent & Affordable Pricing
Insurance-based practices have hidden costs like copays, deductibles, and out-of-network fees.
A membership model provides predictable, upfront pricing for all services included, making healthcare more accessible.
8. Reduced Administrative Burden
Insurance billing requires extensive paperwork, prior authorizations, and coding compliance, taking time away from patient care.
With a membership model, we avoid these headaches, allowing us to focus on healing rather than bureaucracy.
9. No Insurance-Drive Restrictions
In an insurance model, physicians are often pressured to see high volumes of patients, resulting in rushed visits and minimal time for comprehensive care.
Our model allows Dr. Dan to see fewer patients and provide truly individualized attention.
10. Lower Overall Healthcare Costs
Without insurance middlemen, Dr. Dan can negotiate lower prices for labs, imaging, and medications—savings that benefit patients.
Many patients find that our membership model + a high-deductible insurance plan is more cost-effective than traditional insurance alone.

Question 3

Who is the ideal patient for the PIC Concierge Membership model?

Accepted Answer

The ideal patient is anyone seeking a more personal, proactive approach to healthcare—whether you’re a high performer, managing chronic conditions, or simply frustrated with traditional insurance-based care. Membership is perfect for those who value convenience, transparency, and a true partnership in optimizing their health.

Patients who thrive in this model want:
Longer, unhurried visits and same-/next-day access
Direct communication with their physician
Coordinated, proactive care for chronic conditions, preventive health, and overall wellness
Access to functional, lifestyle, and regenerative medicine in an integrated approach
This model is designed for anyone who wants continuity, guidance, and a healthcare experience focused on their whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Question 4

How accessible is the doctor?

Accepted Answer

Our members enjoy enhanced access and priority care, including same-day or next-day acute care appointments and direct communication with Dr. Dan and his team via phone, email, and secure messaging. The member portal serves as a collaborative hub, giving members full access to their electronic health records, lab results, care plans, and the ability to message Dr. Dan directly with questions or concerns. The PIC team prioritizes member communication, aiming to respond within 24 hours--and often replying within just a few hours during the work week.

Question 5

What is the difference between membership and à la carte services?

Accepted Answer

The chart below shows the main differences between membership and à la carte services. In a nutshell, membership provides unlimited visits, direct access to Dr. Dan, same-day appointments, and ongoing, coordinated care while à la carte visits are limited to single appointments without the full benefits, continuity, or discounted services that members receive.

Question 6

What happens if I need care outside the practice, like a specialist or hospital?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Dan works closely with specialists, hospital systems, and other healthcare providers to ensure our members receive high-quality, coordinated care. We prioritize smooth care transitions, advocate for our patients, and help manage referrals so that every aspect of your health is connected and supported.

While services such as lab work, imaging, and specialist visits are outside of the membership, they can typically be run through your insurance. We’re happy to refer patients to in-network providers whenever possible and leverage our established networks to make these processes seamless and convenient.

Question 7

Do I still need health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, insurance is recommended for catastrophic events, hospitalizations, specialist care, diagnostic tests, and lab work. Many patients pair their Professional Integrative Care Concierge Membership with a high-deductible insurance plan to save money while ensuring broader coverage. However, our model significantly reduces the need for frequent insurance-based visits by offering direct, ongoing primary care services.

Question 8

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for membership fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for your membership fee and care at Professional Integrative Care. Please note that regulations can vary, and it’s best to consult your benefits provider or tax advisor for guidance if you have questions about your specific plan.

Question 9

How do I become a member?

Accepted Answer

Becoming a member is simple. You can sign up online or reach out to our office, and we’ll guide you through every step. Membership includes a 12-month term and a brief contract, required for compliance purposes, to ensure a smooth and consistent experience.

Once you join, you’ll schedule your intake visit and submit your first monthly or annual membership fee. We’ll help coordinate any necessary lab work and give you access to our secure member portal, where you can complete intake forms such as your health history and symptom questionnaire at your convenience.

During your first visit, Dr. Dan and his team will take the time to understand your health goals and work with you to create a personalized, realistic treatment plan. Our focus is on making your experience seamless, supportive, and centered on helping you achieve your best health.

Question 10

Can I cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes, no problem. We understand that healthcare needs can change. If you need to cancel your membership, simply provide the required notice per your agreement, and we will ensure a smooth transition of care. There are no termination fees to cancel your membership.