Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers a patient-focused alternative to traditional, insurance-based healthcare. In a DPC practice, your doctor works directly for you, not the insurance companies, which means your care is personal, unrushed, and tailored to your needs. With a simple monthly membership, you have direct access to your doctor through longer, more meaningful in-person visits, phone calls, video chats, or even text messages.

There are no co-pays, no deductibles, and no surprise bills to worry about—just straightforward, affordable care. Most of the time, you can schedule same-day or next-day appointments, so you get the help you need without waiting. It’s healthcare the way it should be: simple, personal, and there for you when you need it most.

Yes. Even if you rarely need medical care, Direct Primary Care offers peace of mind. You have easy, direct access to your primary care doctor when questions or concerns arise, without long waits or barriers to care.

With regular, easy access to your primary care doctor, concerns can be addressed early and efficiently—often avoiding unnecessary urgent care or emergency room visits. Whether it’s a quick question or a more in-depth consultation, we’re just a phone call, message, or virtual visit away. Meristem’s goal is to make your healthcare simple, accessible, and centered on you.

We understand that plans can change. If you need to reschedule an appointment, please notify our office at your earliest convenience. While there are no penalties for cancellations, letting us know helps us provide better care and accommodate others who may need an appointment.

We don’t accept insurance because our focus is entirely on providing you with the best care possible, without the limitations and complications of insurance. This allows us to spend more time with you, providing you personalized care. You’ll never have to worry about co-pays, deductibles, or surprise bills—just clear, upfront pricing.

It’s a common and reasonable question. Health insurance is important for covering unexpected or high-cost events, but it often doesn’t provide easy or timely access to your primary care doctor. A DPC membership complements your insurance by removing barriers to care—such as long waits, rushed visits, and uncertainty about costs. With DPC, you have direct access to your doctor, longer visits, and transparent pricing, even if you already have excellent insurance.

Yes, a membership with Meristem Family Medicine is not a replacement for health insurance. While our membership covers your primary care needs, we strongly recommend that you maintain supplemental health insurance to protect yourself in case of emergencies, specialist visits, or hospitalizations.

Think of it this way: our practice focuses on providing personalized, accessible care for your day-to-day and preventative health needs. Insurance acts as a safety net for the unexpected—like surgeries, hospital stays, or specialized treatments that go beyond what we provide in our office.