Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Direct Primary Care is a membership-based healthcare model focused on personalized, accessible, and comprehensive care without involving insurance. Members pay a monthly fee that covers most primary care services, ensuring transparent pricing and no hidden costs. Additional Details here

2. What does my membership include?

Membership includes:
- Unlimited office visits
- Extended and unrushed appointments
- Direct contact with your provider via text, video chat, or email
Check out full list here 

3. How much does membership cost?

See membership information here.
We also offer family plans for added savings.

4. Does Heys Family Practice accept insurance?

No, I don’t bill insurance. By removing the insurance middleman, I can focus solely on patient care. However, you can still use insurance for services outside the clinic, like lab work, screening tests, specialist visits, hospitalizations, or imaging. A DPC may not be best for you if you have specific insurance, such as an HMO, I cannot see you based on your insurance barriers. Unfortunately, if you have Medicare I cannot see you now due to Medicare's rules and restrictions; check back in the future. For more information, please review specific insurance restrictions.  

I never bill insurance companies because I work directly for the patient. With rising deductibles, patients are receiving more bills after their visits. 

5. Why would I pay for this if I have insurance?
Insurance only guarantees coverage above a deductible and often charges co-pays and additional co-insurances.

At Heys Family Practice, most types of insurance will still cover lab work, imaging, prescriptions, and referrals ordered by your DPC (Direct Primary Care) provider as you're accustomed to.

While you will pay a predictable monthly fee to join Heys Family Practice, you won’t receive unexpected bills for visits or services provided in the office. Many patients find this to be a more budget-friendly and affordable structure, as most patient needs fall within the scope of primary care!

6. What if I need to see a specialist or require hospital care?

If you need specialist care, we’ll coordinate your referral and ensure you have access to the best options. For hospitalizations or services outside our clinic, your insurance or out-of-pocket payment would apply.

7. Can I still use my HSA or FSA to pay for membership?

Yes, many patients use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for their membership fees. However, you must check with your HSA/FSA account provider for specific guidelines.

8. What services are not included in the membership fee?

While most primary care services are covered, the membership fee does not include:
- Specialist visits
- Imaging (e.g., MRIs, CT scans)
- Major surgeries
- Hospitalizations
- Bloodwork

9. Is there a long-term contract? 

No, I  believe in earning your trust every month. Membership is month-to-month, and you can cancel anytime with a 30-day notice. Just so you know, there is a fee to return (see membership).

10. What is an HMO and PPO Health insurance?

An HMO requires you to have an in-network PCP (which Heys Family Practice and Desirae Heys are not). A PPO allows you to choose any PCP you prefer. An HMO requires an in-network, insurance-based referral for specialists and advanced imaging like MRI/CT. A PPO does not require insurance-based referrals (at Heys Family Practice, Desirae will still send referrals with PPO plans, but these will contain important clinical information rather than insurance-required details).

With a PPO, you have much more freedom to choose the providers you want for both primary and specialty care. If you have an HMO and want to switch to a PPO, you can contact an insurance agent or your human resources department to change plans during open enrollment, typically from fall to early winter each year. 

11. Are there medications that Heys Family Practice doesn't prescribe?

Heys Family Practice is not accepting patients for pharmaceutical treatment requiring chronic controlled substances, as I focus on a comprehensive approach to wellness and preventive care. I reserve the right to accept or decline patients based on the capability to handle the patient’s primary care or because the patient requires care not within the nurse practitioner’s scope of services. 

How do I sign up? 

Joining is easy! Simply click the “Join Now” to schedule your first visit. We’ll guide you through the process and immediately start providing care.

If you have more questions about the insurances that work best at Heys Family Practice, please send me a message!