General Questions 

 

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

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



Do you take insurance?

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.



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

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.



How can the DPC model actually save me money?

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



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

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.



Where is your office located?

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)



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

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.



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

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.



Is there a long term commitment with your practice?

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.



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

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.



Is Direct Primary Care the same as Concierge Medicine?

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.



 

Membership Questions

What are your opinions on Holistic Medicine?

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.



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

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).



What about vaccines?

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.



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

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.



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

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.



 

Insurance Questions

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

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.



Do you take patients with Medicare or Medicaid?

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.



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

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.



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

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.



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

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.



 

FYI

What are your opinions on Holistic Medicine?

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.



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

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).



What about vaccines?

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.



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

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.



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

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.



 

Statistics

Savings

Savings Table Mod 4.jpeg
 

Claims Data

​

An independent academic reviewer looked at claims data and found that patients in a direct primary care practice working with a large union trust in Atlantic City NJ had 25% lower outpatient utilization, 48% less ER visits, and 41% fewer hospital admissions than patients in a matched control group. This translated into a 12.3% net lower total cost of care, even after taking into account the higher primary care costs than in usual practices.

 

% Change with utilizilation of DPC

A study of the DPC Clinic Qliance revealed the following changes when utilizing

the DPC Model

 

-35% fewer hospitalizations

 -65% Emergency Department visits

  -66% fewer specialist visits

 -82% fewer surgeries

 

Resource Links

http://iamdirectcare.com

https://www.dpcfrontier.com

https://www.dpcare.org/about1-ccz5

https://www.heritage.org/health-care-reform/report/direct-primary-care-innovative-alternative-conventional-health-insurance