Frequently Asked Questions

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based healthcare model where you pay a flat monthly fee directly to your healthcare provider. Unlike traditional medicine, there are no copays, deductibles, or insurance paperwork.

You get unlimited access to your clinician via same-day or next-day appointments, secure messaging, phone calls, and video visits. We cap our patient panel at 600-800 people per provider to ensure personalized, unhurried care with extended 30-60 minute visits focused on whole-person wellness and prevention.

Our membership fees are designed to be affordable and transparent. We offer competitive rates for individuals and families in the Colorado Springs area.

For specific pricing details and family discounts, please contact us directly or join our waitlist for current membership information. There are no hidden fees, copays, or surprise bills - just one simple monthly membership fee.

Your membership includes:

• Unlimited in-person and virtual office visits
• Extended appointment times (30-60 minutes)
• Comprehensive annual physicals and preventive care
• Chronic disease management
• Minor procedures (sutures, skin lesion removals)
• Basic in-office lab work
• Medication prescribing and management
• Care coordination with specialists
• 24/7 secure messaging and phone access
• Same-day or next-day appointments
• Discounted pricing on labs, imaging, and medications

Yes, DPC is not health insurance and should not replace your insurance coverage. We recommend maintaining a high-deductible health plan or catastrophic coverage for hospitalizations, emergency room visits, surgeries, and specialist care outside our scope.

Many of our members find they can switch to lower-cost, high-deductible plans since their primary care needs are covered by our membership, often resulting in overall healthcare savings.

We guarantee same-day or next-day appointments for both urgent and routine care. Because we intentionally limit our patient panel size, we maintain flexibility to accommodate your healthcare needs without long waits.

Most urgent concerns can be addressed immediately through secure messaging or phone consultation, with in-person or video visits scheduled as needed.

Your membership travels with you. We provide 24/7 access via secure messaging, video consultations, and phone calls regardless of your location.

For new symptoms or urgent concerns while away, we'll help coordinate local care, provide medical records and treatment recommendations, and follow up with you remotely when appropriate. We'll also ensure continuity of care when you return to Colorado Springs.

We welcome patients 18 years and older. Our providers Sarah Crist (Nurse Practitioner) and Logan Crist (Physician Assistant) treat acute illnesses, provide preventive care, and manage chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, depression, thyroid disorders, and more.

We take a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing not just medical symptoms but also lifestyle factors, mental health, and overall wellness to optimize your health outcomes.

Because we don't bill insurance, you avoid copays, deductibles, and surprise billing. Our wholesale pricing for labs, imaging, and medications often costs 50-90% less than traditional healthcare rates.

Many members pair our membership with high-deductible health plans, reducing their overall healthcare costs while gaining better access and more personalized care. We provide transparent, upfront pricing for all services.

Currently, DPC membership fees typically qualify for HSA and FSA reimbursement as medical expenses. However, HSA contribution eligibility may be affected by DPC membership under current IRS rules.

We recommend consulting with your HSA administrator or tax professional to understand how DPC membership affects your specific situation, as regulations continue to evolve.

We serve as your healthcare quarterback, coordinating all aspects of your care. When specialist referrals are needed, we'll recommend trusted providers in the Colorado Springs area, often at negotiated rates.

We communicate directly with specialists, provide comprehensive medical records, and ensure you receive coordinated, seamless care. We also help interpret specialist recommendations and assist with treatment decisions.

For true medical emergencies, call 911 or go directly to the emergency room. We're available 24/7 for urgent (but non-emergency) concerns via phone or secure messaging.

We can often help determine if an issue requires emergency care or can be managed with an urgent same-day appointment. After any emergency or hospital visit, we'll coordinate follow-up care and help navigate any ongoing treatment needs.

Mental health is integral to overall wellness, and we address psychological well-being as part of comprehensive primary care. We can prescribe and manage medications for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

For specialized therapy or complex psychiatric care, we'll refer to trusted mental health professionals in Colorado Springs while continuing to coordinate your overall care and medication management.

We're committed to your satisfaction and building long-term relationships with our members. If you're not completely satisfied with your care or experience, please discuss your concerns with us directly.

We offer flexible membership terms and will work with you to address any issues. Our goal is to provide exceptional, personalized healthcare that exceeds your expectations.

Getting started is simple! First, schedule a free meet and greet with our practice through our website. This informal consultation allows you to meet our team, tour our approach to care, and ask any questions to see if we're a good fit for your healthcare needs.

If you decide to join, you'll complete our membership agreement and required forms. We'll then schedule an initial comprehensive visit to discuss your health history, goals, and establish your personalized care plan. You can begin accessing all membership benefits immediately after enrollment.