FAQ

Forte Health Medical Clinic is a direct primary care (DPC) practice where patients directly pay their doctor or practice a membership-based monthly fee in exchange for primary care services. This modern model of concierge-style care avoids insurance deductibles, per-visit co-pays for primary care services, and insurance companies controlling what you can and can’t do. DPC cuts out the insurance middleman, allowing for more direct access to your doctor and prioritizes your health, not an insurance company’s bottom line.

No. While both models offer more time and personalized attention than traditional insurance-based practices, Direct Primary Care (DPC) is different from concierge medicine in key ways. Most notably, DPC does not bill your insurance nor charge you a copay for each visit. You also do not have to have insurance to use DPC. Your affordable monthly membership covers most of your primary care needs directly.
There are no hidden fees, no copays, and no surprise bills.
You get the same high-touch, relationship-based care often associated with concierge practices, just without the hefty price tag or insurance complexity.

The monthly membership covers all appointments without copays and direct access to your physician via text, phone, and email. Significant discounts that we have access to on labs, imaging, and medications are also passed on to our members.

Hospitalizations, emergency room visits, gynecology, obstetrics, surgeries, and specialist consultations are not covered. Cost of labs, medications, and radiologic studies are also not included.

Our practice also does not prescribe chronic benzodiazepines, opioids, or ADHD medications, though we are happy to facilitate referrals to the appropriate specialists as needed.

We do certainly recommend getting preventive care visits like an annual physical done at least once a year. For people who don't usually need to see their doctor often, the greatest benefit of being a member of Forte Health Medical Clinic is peace of mind in knowing that your personal doctor is a text/call/email away and that they’re available for urgent medical issues, not to be taken care of by a doctor/nurse practitioner/physician’s assistant in urgent care who doesn’t know you. The time and stress saved is priceless.

Beyond addressing acute illnesses and putting out fires, we take time to create personalized wellness plans to optimize your health. Because if you don’t have your health, what’s the point?

Direct primary care complements insurance spectacularly. When given enough time as in direct primary care, many medical concerns can be addressed without referrals. If specialist care is needed, we are also able to more closely coordinate care.

While the monthly fee is paid by the member and not covered by any insurance, many members are still able to use their insurance to cover medications, labs, imaging, and even referrals if they choose. Often, the discounted cash pay price of these items is still lower than the member’s insurance copay.

Physicians who accept payments from third party payers (e.g. insurance companies) must also abide by all the restrictions and limitations those companies set on how your healthcare is provided to you. Instead, at Forte Health, we are accountable to you directly - for your health and for your benefit.

Choosing not to accept payments from insurance companies allows us to sustainably and appropriately care for a smaller number of patients while reducing the cost of care for our patients.

You are NOT required to have insurance in order to join.
We always do recommend that individuals carry health insurance for the truly catastrophic and unexpected, such as conditions that may require hospitalization or surgery.
Some patients may choose a high deductible health plan (HDHP) that complements direct primary care well and can significantly lower monthly health insurance premiums.

We certainly hope to have a long-lasting patient-physician relationship. However, we do understand that circumstances can change, and you need to find the right fit for your medical care and situation. There is no long-term contract. You may cancel your membership at any time with a 30 days’ written notice (email/letter). I will remain your doctor for the remaining 30 days, and any Membership Fees and other amounts owed through the effective termination date will be due. If you decide to rejoin and there is availability in the practice, please know that a $250 re-enrollment fee does apply.

We specialize in family medicine and sports medicine care from ages 3 and up with a focus on preventative health, clinical diagnosis, and acute and chronic health management. Conditions treated include diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions, thyroid conditions, menopause, low testosterone, gastrointestinal problems, and more. Weight loss and weight management are both addressed as part of your holistic health plan as well. We also manage general urgent care needs.

Our practice does not prescribe chronic benzodiazepines, opioids, or ADHD medications. We are happy to facilitate referrals to the appropriate specialists as needed.

This limit allows us to maintain our highest quality and personalized care for our patients. While primary care doctors in the traditional system have over 2000-3000 patients on their panel, we limit our panel to only ~10% of that. This number may be adjusted (up or down) depending on clinic bandwidth. Once we are at capacity, you may sign up for our waitlist and will be notified if there is availability.

Yes, members often find that their monthly membership fee can be reimbursable through their FSA or HSA. We recommend that you consult with your accountant or plan administrator for specific guidance.

We accept most major credit cards, FSA cards, HSA cards, and ACH. ACH information can be entered after enrollment. USPAY provides our payment processing and payment security.