General Questions
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (also known as DPC) is a model of healthcare that allows patients and their physicians more access to each other without the red tape of insurance or restrictions found in traditional practices. It uses a flat, affordable membership fee so you never have to worry about surprise medical bills. You pay once each month and have access to the services your doctor offers.
What sets New Life Direct Primary Care apart from traditional healthcare practices?
Here at New Life DPC we strive to break down barriers to high quality care by offering direct care. We want to talk to our patients directly. When we cut out insurance and nonsense paperwork we are able to build a relationship with our patients that is not rushed. We promise accessibility, convenience and affordability.
Can I contact my physician after hours?
Yes, of course! Illness and injury do not always happen during office hours.
Will I benefit from New Life Direct Primary Care if I don’t require frequent medical attention?
Many individuals are intimidated by the uncertainty of medical costs and do not utilize their medical care for prevention and lifestyle issues. We are here to help you get the “New life” you desire! Medicine was not meant to be reactionary, only seeing your doctor when you are sick. By proactively managing your health, we can help prevent things from happening rather than waiting for them to happen.
Also, most visits to an urgent care or ER can easily be covered in a same day visit at New Life DPC. Many times, the savings are enough to justify the cost of membership for one year!
Is this “concierge” medicine?
Concierge medicine and DPC share a lot of principles including offering customized care with longer appointments and greater accessibility. However, DPC clinics do not bill insurance, rather they choose to work directly with the patient. This allows us to offer affordable prices for your visits, prescriptions, and imaging. It also allows us to work with those who may not be able to afford insurance, international patients or international visiting relatives, and underserved minorities.
Why would I pay extra for health care when I already have health insurance?
Health insurance is not health CARE. Having health insurance does not mean you are getting excellent care. With high deductible plans, many are paying expensive fees for care until they meet their yearly deductible. They often avoid going to the doctor so as not to worry about these fees adding up. Improved access to a physician can lead to better health outcomes. Many have found that our prices are cheaper than the cost of labs, imaging, procedures, or medications when using their insurance!
Membership
Does New Life accept members with existing medical problems?
Certainly! We want to work with you wherever you are. If you have a few issues or a lot of issues, it does not matter to us. Our goal is to provide you the care you need.
Do you see International patients?
Yes, we do! They can do a one time visit or sign up for membership.
Medical Services & Medications
What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?
Ideally, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals, but in instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay or with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and expertise required, we may rely on those physicians to manage your treatment.
Do you offer pregnancy services?
Yes! We love babies! Dr. Khatibi has completed a fellowship in Women’s Health and Obstetrics and loves to provide full spectrum care. We offer excellent personalized prenatal care, delivery and postpartum care.
Can you treat ADD/ADHD? Prescribe amphetamines, Adderall?
Please call to discuss with physician prior to enrollment.
Do you give vaccines?
At this time, we are not able to provide routine vaccinations for young children but we will happily work with you to arrange these. Hopefully, as our pediatric panel increases we will be able to offer this.
Can you manage chronic pain? Prescribe narcotics?
No, we do not at this time. We are able to prescribe pain medications associated with an urgent issue for a limited amount of time.
Insurance and Health Plans
Does New Life Direct Primary Care accept insurance?
No. Happily. No. That doesn’t mean, if you do have insurance you can’t see us. It only means we do not bill your insurance. This could be very advantageous for those with a high deductible.
Do I still need insurance?
New Life DPC is not a form of health insurance or a substitute for health insurance. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account or health sharing plan to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary.
If I have Medicare or Medicaid, can I still join New Life Direct Primary Care?
At this time, we have a wait list for Medicare/Medicaid patients. When available, a one-time waiver is signed that you or your doctor will not bill Medicare/Medicaid for our services. Medicare/Medicaid will usually cover labs, imaging, medications or hospitalizations ordered by our practice.
Do you work with Health Sharing or Medical Cost sharing programs?
Yes we do!
Visits
Are you a walk-in clinic?
No, we still require an appointment. However, we make it very easy for you to schedule!
How long are doctor visits?
We typically allow for 30 min per visit with 60 min reserved for your initial visit, procedures or complex issues. That is not to say that every visit will take that long, but we want to allow enough time so no one feels rushed!
How long do I have to wait if I come in for an appointment?
Our goal is no waiting when you come in for your appointment.
What happens when my doctor is on vacation?
When Dr. Khatibi takes vacation, she will still be available by phone, text, or email. If Dr. Khatibi will be unreachable or out of the country, you will be notified beforehand.
Fees
What are your prices?
Are there hidden fees?
No. We are upfront and transparent about our fees.
How do I pay the doctor? Do you accept annual or monthly fees?
We accept fees paid monthly by automatic bank debit (ACH authorization) or credit card.
We accept fees paid annually by cash, check, bank debit or credit card.
Enrollment
What if I am not sure I want to enroll?
If you prefer, you can call and sign up for a 15 min “Meet and Greet” with the doctor. No charge. This is a great opportunity to see our office, discuss what you are looking for, and find out what we have to offer. It is not a medical visit.
I have enrolled now what?
Once you have submitted your application online we will call you within 1-2 business days to schedule your first appointment. It is important to make an appointment even if you are not sick. We would like to get to know you and obtain any previous records necessary. At that visit we can also discuss lab work or preventative care including your diet, sleep habits, stress level, whether you are due for a colonoscopy, mammogram, pap. or lab work.
I have enrolled, when will I be charged?
Your enrollment fee and monthly fee will be charged on the 1st of the month or at your first visit whichever is sooner.