How does a monthly membership with a doctor work?
If you are generally healthy and are used to seeing a doctor once a year, then membership services may seem unnecessary to you. However, prioritizing health improvement cannot realistically happen in these basic 15-20 minute annual physicals once a year. It requires consistency, support and accountability. Membership makes this option easy. We encourage patients to think of joining Sepia like joining a gym – it is an investment in your long-term health and you can use it as little or as often as you choose.
The option to choose an elevated primary care experience and the calm that comes with having direct access to a highly qualified physician anytime you need. This is not a nurse line providing generic advice or a telemedicine doctor who knows nothing about you – this is your doctor who is always a call/text/email away.
Lastly, the limited membership model allows your doctor to focus on providing the best care possible to a smaller group of patients than in any traditional practice. This means longer appointments, little to no wait time, better coordination with specialists and same or next-day availability.
So is this a concierge practice?
Although we provide top notch concierge level of care, Sepia is defined as a direct primary care (DPC) practice, compared to a traditional concierge practice. The main difference between these two models of practice is that concierge practices still bill your insurance and collect copays in addition to their membership fee, while DPCs do not. DPCs are open to all. DPC is month-to-month compared to concierge service fees which are typically paid annually.
But won’t out all the extra costs outside of my insurance be expensive?
When you cut out all the waste and middlemen, primary care costs much less than you might think. If you have insurance, prescriptions will still be covered according to your insurance plan. (If you don’t have insurance, we will help you find the best price for your medications.) Although labs and imaging are not included in membership, they are provided as discounted cash prices which are dramatically cheaper than rates health care systems negotiate with your insurance. We can go over examples during the meet and greet.
If I join Sepia, do I still need health insurance?
Sepia is NOT a replacement for your health insurance. Although we see patients regardless of their insurance status, we strongly recommend you maintain your coverage in order to cover larger medical expenses that our outside of the scope of primary care (surgeries, hospitalizations, specialist care, etc.). Your insurance can also help cover your prescription medications and labs.
Is there a long term commitment?
No. You can cancel your membership at anytime with 30-day notice.
Can’t find the answer to your question? Contact us or schedule a free Meet & Greet with Dr. Lewis to learn more about Sepia.