What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
Direct Primary Care is a membership-based healthcare model that may cover 80-90% of patients’ medical needs. It is a patient-centered, whole-body, integrated approach that has been proven to enhance health and productivity while substantially reducing medical costs associated with today’s current healthcare model. Providers offer longer appointments with no copays and no deductibles, and customize treatment plans to meet the goals of each individual patient. Learn more about DPC.
Do I have to use a provider from the Vital Edge Health system?
Yes. To receive direct primary care benefits from Vital Edge Health (VEH), members must choose a provider from the VEH network. Vital Edge Health is not responsible for charges incurred outside of the VEH network.
Can my VEH provider replace my current primary care provider through my insurance plan?
Your Vital Edge Health (VEH) provider can serve as your primary care provider, however, VEH does NOT bill insurance. Your VEH provider is covered through a membership-based plan offered through your employer.
What if I have a pre-existing condition? Can I still become a member?
Yes, Vital Edge Health is open to everyone, it does not deny membership for age, for pre-existing conditions or for any other reason.
How is DPC different from Health Insurance?
Direct Primary Care through Vital Edge Health is a membership-based program through your employer and may cover 80-90% of patients’ healthcare needs. When paired with major medical or cost sharing solutions, members receive exceptional and comprehensive healthcare and coverage.
Where are you located? Do you have direct primary care clinics near me?
We are located in Southern Oregon. Several clinics are being part of the Vital Edge Health Network – find our providers here – and we can also tap into the HINT and Clearwater networks to find a DPC clinic near you.
How does DPC work with Health Insurance?
DPC works best when combined with a high deductible insurance plan. While DPC covers your day-to-day healthcare needs, your insurance plan may cover all the outside testing, referrals to specialists and hospitalizations that may be required outside of your membership with Vital Edge Health.
What Services Are Covered?
Vital Edge Health (VEH) covers Primary Care Services, Acute Care Visits, Annual Wellness Exams and several other services, also some procedures and labs. Some clinics offer additional services within the membership. Please read through our ‘For Patients’ section on this website for more detailed information.
Will I have to pay extra to see my doctor?
No, your membership covers all office visits. There is no copay when you come in for an office visit. The only time you will pay a fee is if a service is needed that not listed. Your doctor will let you know if any recommended services are not covered, in which case you as a member will get at a discount.
What if I Have To Go To A Hospital? Am I Covered?
Acute care visits are covered by your Direct Primary Care membership, but hospital visits are not. For this case we recommend you have a high deductible insurance plan in place to cover these major medical expenses.