Frequently Asked Questions
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care ("DPC") is an innovative model of healthcare that focuses on a direct, personal doctor-patient relationship. DPC doctors do not contract with insurance companies, so they are free from the intrusive, bureaucratic interference that accompanies third-party payers. Instead, DPC practices are able to provide accessible, affordable, high-quality, personalized care to their smaller panel of patients.
What is Med-Peds?
"Med-Peds" [with a long e in "Peds"] is the abbreviated way to say "Internal Medicine and Pediatrics." After medical school, Med-Peds doctors complete a residency that trains them in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and they are able to be certified in both of these specialties. Dr. Ekstrom is board-certified in both, so she is referred to as a "Med-Peds" doctor.
Why would I pay for DPC if I already have health insurance?
With insurance you typically still have to pay co-pays and deductibles, which can add up to a lot of money. Also, having insurance doesn't mean that you have access to your doctor when you need them--often you end up having to wait or being referred to urgent care. DPC provides better access to your doctor and often ends up saving you money.
Do I still need health insurance if I join?
Yes, insurance is still necessary to protect you from catastrophic expenses that can happen in the rare case of a medical emergency, surgeries, hospitalizations, etc. Health sharing organizations can be a great alternative to traditional insurance, and are often more affordable.
If I rarely go to a doctor, is a membership a good idea?
Yes! Our goal is to help our members stay well. However, medical problems often arise unexpectedly. As a member of Henderson Med-Peds, you will have a doctor who knows you well, and who will be there to help you in case of an unexpected illness or other medical problem.
What if I have Medicare?
You may join Henderson Med-Peds even if you have Medicare. You will need to sign a waiver stating that neither you nor your doctor will bill Medicare for our services (we will provide the waiver when you enroll). Medicare will still cover laboratory testing, imaging, and medications prescribed by our office, and will still cover medical costs outside of our office.
What if I have Medicaid?
Sadly, current Kentucky regulations prohibit Medicaid recipients from joining DPC practices.
Do you provide vaccinations?
No, but we can discuss recommendations regarding vaccines and help you find places to obtain them.
Do you require patients to follow a particular vaccine schedule?
No. We respect the parent's role in their child's healthcare decisions. We understand that each individual is unique and families have the right to make choices about injections. We will provide information and guidance based on the available evidence of risks/benefits. Because of our DPC model with our small patient panel and short wait times, our members' exposure to other people in our office is minimal, which makes it a safer environment than a clinic with a waiting room full of patients.
What happens if I need a specialist?
Dr. Ekstrom will coordinate your care and refer you to a specialist if needed. Specialist visits are not covered by your Henderson Med-Peds membership and would typically be billed to your health insurance.
Do you provide after-hours care?
Members have access to their physician for urgent matters after hours through a dedicated phone line. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
What if I need medical attention while I'm away from home?
Many issues can be addressed over the phone, and Dr. Ekstrom will be happy to help members in these situations. However, if it is something that requires an in-person evaluation you may need to go to an urgent care clinic or emergency department.
I'm interested in joining, but not quite sure yet. Where can I get additional information?
Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation meet-and-greet with Dr. Ekstrom.
What if I decide to cancel my membership?
We do not require a long-term contract. You may cancel your membership at any time with 30 days' written notice. Please be aware that if you later decide to return, there is a re-enrollment fee of $100.