Q & A
Have questions about our practice or Direct Care Memberships in general? The following Q&A may help you.
Q: Why should I choose a direct primary care physician over a more traditional practice?
A: With a much smaller practice -- 400 vs 4,000 -- your care will be comprehensive, collaborative and customized. You will have direct communication with Dr. Capo and Dr. Fitzgerald by phone and email, in addition to appointments that take as long as needed to address all of your medical concerns.
Q: Why should I pay a membership fee if I already have insurance?
A: Many people are being forced into a high-deductible or catastrophic insurance plan. Most patients don’t reach that amount each year, so they would pay everything out of pocket at other offices anyway. Once you have paid your membership fee with us, there are no co-pays, deductibles or co-insurances and you will have 24/7 access to your doctor.
Q: Is this health insurance or does it replace my health insurance?
A: We are not an insurance company. Nor are we offering health insurance. The membership in no way replaces your current health insurance. You need to keep your insurance active.
Q: If I have Medicare can I join the practice? Does being a member affect my Medicare insurance?
A: Yes, Medicare patients are welcome. Know that this membership does not replace Medicare and the membership fee is not covered by Medicare. Dr. Capo and Dr. Fitzgerald are "opted out" of Medicare, so our office does not bill Medicare for any services we perform. (Opting out was necessary for us to have a membership-based practice.) This does not affect your Medicare coverage for any other provider that accepts Medicare reimbursement. Medicare is the ideal complement to a Direct Care practice because it covers everything for you outside of our services. We are approved to order labs, x-rays, home health, etc., for all Medicare patients.
Q: If I have a previous medical condition can I join?
A: Absolutely! We don't refuse primary care for anyone on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions. This kind of personalized, comprehensive level of care allows your doctor to spend more time working with you on complicated medical problems and concerns.
Q: How do appointments work?
A: Your patient visits are unlimited and there is never a co-pay or co-insurance. Patient visits are by appointment. If you need urgent care you will be seen the same or next day. An annual physical, including comprehensive exam, EKG, PFT, UA and extensive panel of labs, and your yearly flu shot are booked at your convenience.
Q: Do I have any coverage when I am out of town?
A: While you are traveling you have 24/7 access to your physician, who will advise you on a plan of care.
Q: Is my family covered under my membership?
A: Our membership contracts are individual between the doctor and one patient. But please ask about student discounts and visiting family members.
Q: What other perks does Dr. Capo and Dr. Fitzgerald's office offer?
A: Thanks for asking! Here are some additional benefits of membership:
A: With a much smaller practice -- 400 vs 4,000 -- your care will be comprehensive, collaborative and customized. You will have direct communication with Dr. Capo and Dr. Fitzgerald by phone and email, in addition to appointments that take as long as needed to address all of your medical concerns.
Q: Why should I pay a membership fee if I already have insurance?
A: Many people are being forced into a high-deductible or catastrophic insurance plan. Most patients don’t reach that amount each year, so they would pay everything out of pocket at other offices anyway. Once you have paid your membership fee with us, there are no co-pays, deductibles or co-insurances and you will have 24/7 access to your doctor.
Q: Is this health insurance or does it replace my health insurance?
A: We are not an insurance company. Nor are we offering health insurance. The membership in no way replaces your current health insurance. You need to keep your insurance active.
Q: If I have Medicare can I join the practice? Does being a member affect my Medicare insurance?
A: Yes, Medicare patients are welcome. Know that this membership does not replace Medicare and the membership fee is not covered by Medicare. Dr. Capo and Dr. Fitzgerald are "opted out" of Medicare, so our office does not bill Medicare for any services we perform. (Opting out was necessary for us to have a membership-based practice.) This does not affect your Medicare coverage for any other provider that accepts Medicare reimbursement. Medicare is the ideal complement to a Direct Care practice because it covers everything for you outside of our services. We are approved to order labs, x-rays, home health, etc., for all Medicare patients.
Q: If I have a previous medical condition can I join?
A: Absolutely! We don't refuse primary care for anyone on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions. This kind of personalized, comprehensive level of care allows your doctor to spend more time working with you on complicated medical problems and concerns.
Q: How do appointments work?
A: Your patient visits are unlimited and there is never a co-pay or co-insurance. Patient visits are by appointment. If you need urgent care you will be seen the same or next day. An annual physical, including comprehensive exam, EKG, PFT, UA and extensive panel of labs, and your yearly flu shot are booked at your convenience.
Q: Do I have any coverage when I am out of town?
A: While you are traveling you have 24/7 access to your physician, who will advise you on a plan of care.
Q: Is my family covered under my membership?
A: Our membership contracts are individual between the doctor and one patient. But please ask about student discounts and visiting family members.
Q: What other perks does Dr. Capo and Dr. Fitzgerald's office offer?
A: Thanks for asking! Here are some additional benefits of membership:
- You will always get a live person answering the phone, never a recording or phone tree
- We host a monthly Seminar Series, bringing in medical experts in their field for educational talks with a Q&A period after
- Coordination of care with hospital and specialist
- Discount prices for non-covered labs
- On-time appointments