FAQs
What is Direct Endocrine Care?
Direct Endocrine Care is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by getting rid of the red tape that constrains traditional practices by not accepting insurance.
Is Direct Care the same as concierge medicine?
The terms are often mistakenly used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Both direct care and concierge practices charge a periodic fee. However, under the concierge model, this fee only gets you access; that is, it doesn't actually cover any of your care. Instead a concierge practice still bills insurance for your visits. Under direct care, your visits are included in your fee, plus you're provided with other incredible benefits.
Want to know more about Direct Care?
Here’s a few articles that profile the direct care approach to medicine:
U.S. News Physicians Abandon Insurance for Blue Collar Model
WRAL Patients Pay Monthly Fee, Not Insurance Co-Pay to See Raleigh Physician
Direct care map at https://www.dpcfrontier.com
How much does membership cost?
Please see the pricing section of this website.
What does the membership fee cover?
The fee covers endocrine care through office visits with no copay. This includes office visits for chronic care with minimal wait times in the office. The fee also covers direct communications with your doctor via phone, text, video chat, or email. Our patients have access to special procedures and some discounted tests not included in the membership fees.
Is there a long-term commitment?
No, you can cancel your relationship with our practice at any time by providing 30 days' written notice to us. Patients who leave the practice then subsequently decide to return to this practice will incur the prevailing enrollment fee.
What if I decide to cancel my membership?
We expect to have an open, honest, respectful relationship with you. If you have voiced a complaint that we cannot satisfy together, we will gladly allow you to terminate your membership.
Do you accept insurance?
No. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. You may file for reimbursement from your insurance if allowed by your insurer.
I don’t have insurance- can I still join?
Yes, we take care of any patient regardless of your insurance situation. Since we work completely outside of the insurance system, none of the billing for physician services here is eligible for insurance reimbursement. However, we recommend everyone have insurance coverage, which is still important in the event of a major health issue.
As a member, do I still need health insurance?
Yes. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high-deductible and a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA). If you experience a major health issue such as hospitalization, you will still need insurance to help cover it.
If I have Medicare can I still join?
Yes. You need only sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Even though Medicare will not pay us for any services you receive in our practice, your Medicare benefits will otherwise remain unchanged and can continue to be used for all other medical care received outside of our practice. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations recommended by our physician.
Is the membership fee eligible for health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) reimbursement?
It is our position that you should be able to pay for your membership fees through your HSA or FSA because the services we offer are qualified services. However, different plans have different requirements. You may want to confirm with your plan administrator to be sure.
What ages does Dr. Van Diest see?
Dr. Van Diest is an adult endocrinologist. She also sees pediatric patients on a case-by-case basis.
Do you provide diabetes education?
Basic diabetes education is part of the diabetic office visit. We refer appropriately to a licensed and registered dietitian as well as a certified diabetes educator to optimize your diabetes care. Some licensed dietitians are also certified diabetes educators, which simplifies your encounter. These professionals will directly bill your insurance for their services.
What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see another specialist?
Having direct access to your doctor will reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals in many cases. When those types of care are required, Dr. Van Diest will coordinate with your hospitalist and any specialist.