Frequently asked questions
About Direct Primary Care (DPC) & Membership Basics
What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
Direct Primary Care is a membership-based model that allows you to pay a monthly subscription fee for comprehensive primary care services. It eliminates the need for traditional insurance for routine care while emphasizing personalized attention, easy access to your doctor, and transparent pricing.
What are the benefits of How does DPC differ from traditional insurance-based care?a DPC practice?
With DPC, you benefit from longer appointments, more direct communication with your doctor, a focus on preventive care, and a streamlined, transparent fee structure. Lower patient volumes mean faster appointments, personalized care, and the convenience of same-day or next-day access when needed.
How does DPC differ from traditional insurance-based care?
Unlike traditional insurance models, DPC removes the middleman by eliminating insurance billing for primary care. This means no co-pays, deductibles, or surprise fees—just a straightforward monthly fee for comprehensive, personalized care.
Can DPC save me money?
Yes. By cutting out insurance overhead, DPC reduces costs on routine visits and preventive care. Discounted rates for lab tests, imaging, and medications often make healthcare more affordable compared to traditional insurance models.
How much does membership cost?
Our membership pricing is simple and age-based:
- Ages 18-39: $70/month
- Ages 40-64: $100/month
- Ages 65 and up: $140/month
These rates offer predictable and transparent pricing for your primary care needs.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, there is a one-time registration fee of $120. This fee covers administrative costs like new patient record reviews and helps ensure that members are committed to the DPC model.
Do you offer family discounts?
We plan to offer family discounts. Details are currently under development, and we will update patients as soon as pricing for family memberships is finalized.
How do I join the clinic?
Joining our clinic starts with a 15-minute meet-and-greet. During this brief session, we discuss your healthcare needs and explain our DPC model. If we both agree that the fit is right, you will receive a link to complete your full enrollment as a patient.
If things aren’t working out, how do I cancel my membership?
Patients may cancel their membership at any time by providing us at least a 24 hours notice.
Services & Care
What services are included in the membership?
Your membership includes a comprehensive range of primary care services such as unlimited office visits, routine physical exams, preventive care, chronic condition management, and more. For a detailed list, please visit our dedicated Services page.
How do you handle same-day or next-day appointments?
Because of our small patient panel, we can offer same-day or next-day appointments for urgent needs. Whether you require an in-person visit or a telemedicine consultation, we prioritize prompt care.
Do you offer telemedicine?
Yes, telemedicine is available for your convenience. You can consult with your doctor virtually when an in-person visit isn’t necessary, ensuring continuous care even from a distance.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes, home visits are available for members within Miami Beach, Miami, and the greater South Florida area. Home visits are subject to an additional fee of $150 per visit.
What lab testing services are available?
We offer access to a variety of lab tests. Insured patients can have their lab orders sent to LabCorp or Quest and billed through their insurance. We are working on direct contracts for discounted cash-pay labs to pass these savings along to our members.
What imaging services are available?
We have a list of discounted direct pay rates for local imaging centers. Insured patients may opt to have their prescriptions for imaging sent to a diagnostic center to process through their insurance.
What happens if I need to see a specialist?
If specialist care is needed, we coordinate referrals with trusted specialists in the area. Your primary care membership covers our direct care; however, specialist visits might be billed through your insurance. Always verify with your insurance provider regarding any pre-authorization requirements.
Do you offer discounted medications?
Yes, we offer discounted generic medications at low costs and keep a selection of common medicines in the office. If you prefer, you can also use your insurance for pharmacy purchases.
Insurance, Costs & Payment
Do I still need insurance if I join the clinic?
Traditional insurance is not necessary for primary care services once you join our DPC practice, but is highly encouraged for emergencies, hospitalization coverage, and certain other healthcare costs.
Can I use my insurance for labs, imaging, or specialist visits?
Yes, you can use your insurance for lab tests, imaging services, or specialist visits when needed. Please check with your insurance provider for any requirements such as pre-authorizations.
Does the clinic bill insurance or Medicare?
No, our model is designed around transparent, flat-rate membership fees. We do not bill insurance or Medicare for primary care services.
Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to pay for membership?
Yes, you can use FSA funds for your membership payment. We are currently reviewing the possibility of using HSA funds and will update patients once further details are available.
Appointments & Scheduling
How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled by calling our office or through our online booking system.
What are your appointment lengths?
Our appointments are typically longer than those in traditional primary care settings. Initial visits may last 60 minutes or more, while follow-up appointments generally run around 30 minutes, ensuring we have ample time to address your needs.
What is your cancellation policy regarding appointments?
Patients can cancel appointments as needed. In the event of a cancellation, we ask you to notify us as soon as you are able so we may open the reserved time for other patients, and arrange a better time to see you.
Communication & Access
How do I contact my doctor?
You can reach your doctor by email, text message, or phone. Responses are provided no later than 24-48 business hours, but usually much sooner.
Is there after-hours access?
While I often respond to after-hours messages, there is no guarantee of 24/7 access. In case of urgent matters outside of business hours, please seek immediate care. Call 911 in the event of an emergency.
General Questions About Sana Sana Clinic
How does Sana Sana Clinic differ from concierge medicine?
Sana Sana Clinic offers a transparent, cost-effective alternative to traditional concierge medicine. We don’t bill insurance for primary care, allowing us to focus on personalized care without the high fees typically associated with concierge practices.
What is the patient volume like at Sana Sana Clinic?
Our practice maintains a small patient panel—typically between 400-600 patients per doctor. This lower volume ensures that each patient receives more individualized attention and access to care.
What are the benefits of DPC for healthy people?
Even healthy individuals can gain peace of mind from DPC. With regular check-ups, easy access to your doctor, and personalized preventive care, DPC helps catch potential health issues early and maintains your overall wellness.
