Question 1

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Answer

Direct Primary Care is an innovative approach to health care that encompasses all aspects of Family Medicine utilizing a cost-effective monthly membership fee.

Question 2

Do you take insurance?

Answer

No, we do not bill your insurance; but, insurance can still be utilized to obtain medications, labs, and/or diagnostic imaging. However, Hampton Medical DPC has negotiated wholesale pricing for the above items and those savings are passed directly to our members! This model is very similar to a Sam’s Club Membership; we buy in bulk and pass the savings onto our patients.

Question 3

Do I need to become a member to use your services?

Answer

Yes, our practice is dedicated to a limited amount of patients. This model allows us to get to know each of our patients on a personal basis. Our practice is capped at ~ 700 patients; unlike the 2500 patients a traditional family doctor has to manage.

Question 4

How can the DPC model actually save me money?

Answer

Briefly stated, we offer wholesale pricing on generic medications through our in-house pharmacy. We also offer discounted labs that can be conveniently drawn at our office if you prefer. Savings can be up to 80% the majority of the time! Remember, there are unlimited visits and no copays at Hampton DPC! In addition, this model blends perfectly with a high deductible plan as we can take care of up to 80% of all your healthcare needs. Switching to a high deductible plan can lower your monthly premium and that alone can cover the cost of your monthly membership fee

Question 5

This model seems very interesting but can I meet with the physician and discuss how this model can personally benefit me?

Answer

Great, we love to meet new people. Just call our office or schedule a free 30 minute consultation online. Dr. Hampton would be glad to answer all of your questions in person. Be sure to bring your monthly healthcare costs (medications included) and any questions you have for the Doctor.

Question 6

Where is your office located?

Answer

We are conveniently located inside Rizzo & Wiegering Chiropractic Office at 502 Logan Blvd. Altoona, PA 16602. Our hours vary depending on provider availability. Please check our website or FaceBook page for updated hours. We are always available by phone (814.215.9494)

Question 7

Can patients with chronic medical conditions benefit from the DPC model?

Answer

Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension are managed more effectively through better coordinated, longitudinal, preventive primary care such as that provided by direct primary care practices.

Question 8

I do not have any chronic conditions and I do not require routine medical care. How could I benefit from your practice?

Answer

That is a great question and we have many answers for you. Apart from saving you time going to the doctor, we can also focus on lifestyle changes. Preventative health care allows us to find issues before they develop into problems. This is much easier when you develop a long-standing relationship with your physician. In addition, there is a significant amount of information in the digital world when it comes to health and wellness. Dr. Hampton is well versed in all the current trends and topics; he loves to educate his patients and assist them in navigating through all the information. Accordingly, if something comes up whether at home or traveling then we are just a phone call away. Our model is also designed to promote wellness as opposed to only treating disease.

Question 9

Is there a long term commitment with your practice?

Answer

Simply put, if you are unhappy with any aspect of your services here at Hampton Medical then you can cancel your membership. However, the Registration Fee is non-refundable.

Question 10

I have a family and we already have insurance. Are there any advantages for us in your model?

Answer

Absolutely! We love to take care of entire families and we offer a discounted rate to do so. Aside from saving you money, we take pride in saving you time. Sick visits are much easier in the DPC model. We might even be able to take care of your problem right over the phone with the use of technology (i.e video conferencing, camera phones,texts). This added convenience can be very beneficial in today’s busy world.

Question 11

Is Direct Primary Care the same as Concierge Medicine?

Answer

No, although some individuals use these terms interchangeably, these two models have distinct differences. Simply put, DPC allows all individuals to benefit from this model. Whether you are a blue collar worker or a professional; our pricing reflects the desire to help all individuals, including the uninsured. In addition, Direct Primary Care permits the Physician to pass on wholesale medication and discounted lab pricing to patients! Concierge type practices are unable to sell wholesale medications and lab services. Direct Primary Care is able to do this because we don’t take insurance.

Question 12

What are the fees associated with becoming a member?

Answer

For a complete list of our pricing and included services; please click the link here.

Question 13

What services are included with the monthly membership fee?

Answer

Our DPC model is designed to save patients money. We include the majority of most services offered in traditional Family Medicine. This reflects our motto; Family Medicine — Made Simple. Here is a complete list of our included services

Question 14

Who do I contact after hours if I have an emergency?

Answer

Well, you can call Dr. Hampton on his cell phone! Just like our motto, this is the way Family Medicine should be. We are always here for you. Coordinated care can help to reduce unnecessary ER/Urgent Care visits. We are at your disposal to discuss all options available.

Question 15

What if I am unable to come into the office for a visit secondary to an illness or family emergency?

Answer

Just like Marcus Welby M.D., we make house calls too! However, house calls are subject to provider availability. We know that things come up and we are glad to accommodate. Removing traditional barriers created by insurance carriers allows for “technology based visits”. These types of visits can be utilized only when it is medically safe and appropriate to do so.

Question 16

How do I sign up?

Answer

There is a convenient sign up method located on the website or call our phone number. We are glad to offer you a no-obligation 30 minute phone conversation or in-person meeting with Dr. Hampton. If you decide to join our practice then there is a $75 non-refundable registration fee. The first monthly membership is due on the 15th of the following month.

Question 17

Can we get medications on site?

Answer

Yes, and we pass on our wholesale pricing directly to our members! We have non-scheduled generic medications on site for your convenience. If we do not have your particular long term medication then we can have it available within 24 hours. It would not be unusual to leave our office with a 30 day supply of a chronic medication that costs less than $2.

Question 18

Do we get discounts on labs?

Answer

Yes, we offer direct-to-consumer prices with a nominal fee for processing/lab draw. The average yearly labs cost ~$15 with our plan. Your insurance company charges ~$200 and that would most likely be out of pocket since deductibles are rarely met in today’s world.

Question 19

Do we get discounts on imaging?

Answer

Yes, we have contracted with a local imaging and orthopedic group to offer discounted rates on imaging. The process is extremely simple and the imaging fee is added to your monthly membership fee. Since there is minimal processing, the rates we contract are passed directly to the patient without any surcharge.

Question 20

When do I pay for labs and non- covered services (i.e. in house meds)?

Answer

These services are conveniently added to your preferred method of payment at the end of your current billing cycle. You will never be charged extra for anything with prior notification.

Question 21

What if I need to see a specialist or if I become hospitalized?

Answer

As always, we strive to take care of the majority of your outpatient medical needs. However, there are times when a visit with a specialist is warranted. Dr. Hampton has been in the community for many years and is on medical staff at UPMC Altoona. He will personally coordinate care with your specialist or hospitalist when required. We have access to all medical records within the UPMC system and we can take the time to answer all of your questions. Having a non-pressured doctor who is always available to assist in your health care is key to helping to reduce hospital stays and unnecessary specialist visits.

Question 22

Can I use my FSA or HSA account to pay for any of your services?

Answer

We advise that you consult with your accountant or financial advisor in regards to using your HSA/FSA for membership fees. HSA Accounts: We would like to point you in the right direction. IRS Document 213(d) and IRS Document 502 are very helpful documents to review prior to making a decision with your financial advisor. Many patients across the country are using HSA’s in combination with Direct Primary Care. FSA Accounts: These work quite well; however, please contact your account administrator to confirm.

Question 23

I already have insurance. What can the DPC model do for me?

Answer

Simply put, we can offer much more than just a personal relationship with your doctor. This model saves time; the one commodity that none of us are getting more of. We save you time with our streamlined appointment process, In-House Medication refills, and Technology visits. Dr. Hampton can offer you more of his time. This means more time to listen, ask questions, to think about your problems, to promptly return phone calls, to relay test results personally, and time to discuss wellness. The DPC model removes the middleman from the doctor’s office. It is like having a doctor as part of the family AND you don’t even have to wash scrubs! Changing from a “Gold” plan to a “Bronze” plan can save you a significant amount of money per month. The savings with that switch could pay for our monthly membership fee. Our model is designed to take care of the majority of your health care.

Question 24

Do you take patients with Medicare or Medicaid?

Answer

As of now, we can not take patients with Medicare or Medicaid. This will change in the future. We would love to take down your information so you can be part of our DPC Family one day! Dr. Hampton is passionate about cost-effective, patient-centered care and he truly believes that Medicare patients can save a significant amount of money with this model.

Question 25

Do I still need to have insurance if I become a member?

Answer

Yes, we do recommend that you have insurance for catastrophic events but we do not require it. Switching from a regular plan to a high deductible plan usually covers the cost of the annual membership. We have the TIME to take care of 80% of your healthcare needs.

Question 26

Why would I pay for insurance and also for this model?

Answer

In the current system, you are most likely already paying twice for your healthcare. Everyone pays the first time via a monthly premium for their insurance plan and the second time is when you pay anything in addition to those premiums, like copays, prescriptions, etc. In response to rising deductibles, every patient will pay 100% out of pocket for medical care and/or medications. Deductibles can vary among different plans. Some families end up paying as much as $5000 out of pocket until their insurance kicks in. Therefore, individuals are paying full value for less than optimal care. In addition, a patient must pay a copay for every visit to the doctor (these are included in our membership model). One of the best analogies we can offer is the following: Using your health insurance to pay for your primary care is similar to using your car insurance to get an oil change. DPC offers you to be part of a “club” that makes the whole primary care game much easier and less expensive.

Question 27

Are there any exemptions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in regards to Direct Primary Care?

Answer

Under the ACA, individuals enrolled in a direct primary care medical home are required to only have insurance that covers what is not covered in the direct primary care program. Section 10104 exempts patients who are enrolled in direct primary care from individual insurance mandates for primary care services if they have supplementary qualified coverage for other services. Individuals not enrolled in direct primary care are required under the ACA to have insurance that covers primary care. You can satisfy the Affordable care act (ACA/Obamacare) requirement of a “Medical home” when you combine your membership with catastrophic health insurance.

Question 28

What are your opinions on Holistic Medicine?

Answer

First and foremost, Dr. Hampton practices traditional Family Medicine utilizing medications and surgery when appropriate. Dr. Hampton has training in Osteopathic Medicine and is currently expanding his knowledge to include certifications in Functional Medicine. He believes that an integrative approach that encompasses traditional Family Medicine blended with alternative therapies can produce superior patient outcomes. He is passionate about reviewing current medication lists while trying to minimize the use of medications that are not beneficial to the patient. This model gives the patient time to understand their illness while also exploring adjunctive therapies.

Question 29

I noticed the physician is a D.O. And not an M.D. Is there any difference between the two?

Answer

Both types of physicians can specialize in family medicine and prescribe medications as well as perform minor outpatient procedures. A Doctor of Osteopathic (D.O.) Medicine has extra training in the musculoskeletal system and performs Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) to help alleviate pain and improve function. This form of therapy is provided free of charge for our members (subject to limitations).

Question 30

What about vaccines?

Answer

Dr. Hampton does recommend the current vaccine schedule that is published by the American Academy of Family Practice. However, we do recognize the current issues with vaccination and respect opinions on both sides of this debate. We will respect the wishes of our patients regarding their individual decisions.

Question 31

I have forms that need filled out. Is there a quicker, SIMPLER way to get these done?

Answer

Absolutely, we recommend all of our patients download “Adobe Fill and Sign” as an app on your phone. You can take a picture of the document and fill it out on your phone. The form can be emailed to us and we will forward it to the appropriate person.

Question 32

Do you utilize any other technology based products within your practice?

Answer

Our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is designed for Direct Primary Care and therefore the system offers extensive connections with various exercise apps. (i.e. Fitbit etc…) We can link your FitBit into our EMR and have a productive conversation about exercise and physical activity.

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