Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Direct Primary Care?

Empower Wellness Direct Primary Care Medical Clinic and Dr. Stehling are thrilled to present a revolutionary primary care model that prioritizes the physician-patient relationship and preventative care while providing top-notch medical care. Direct Primary Care (DPC) Care is a subscription based primary care medical clinic offering patients visits with their primary care provider (PCP) and a list of included services like exams and annual labs for a flat monthly fee. A subscription payment model allows us to provide extended appointment times (30 minutes to 1 hour) and appointment availability when you need it rather than waiting weeks or months to see your PCP for only 10-15 minutes. We can usually get you seen the same day or the next day. No insurance needed. We don’t charge additional fees for visits. It’s essentially primary care on retainer. It is not insurance, although we encourage you to carry an insurance plan that would cover healthcare needs we don’t provide like surgeries, emergency visits and hospitalizations. 

Stepping outside the traditional, insurance-based care model allows us to eliminate barriers to care and frustration. We see patients regardless of their insurance coverage or lack thereof. We don’t impose limits on what can be discussed at your visits. We negotiate low cash prices for services like labs and imaging, so what your insurance will pay will not cover the tests you need. You can still use your insurance for those services if that is more convenient for you. Our services are clearly priced, so we eliminate the surprise bills. Not only does this allow us to provide excellent care, we also provide peace of mind knowing you have a doctor available when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

  • Joining Empower Wellness Direct Primary Care Medical Clinic means stepping into a unique healthcare experience, free from previous headaches and frustrations. Your dedicated physician is ready to provide longer face-to-face time, seamless communication, and no wait times. You can text or call with any questions, as my focus is on keeping you healthy.

    In our Direct Primary Care membership model, you enjoy the freedom to connect with your doctor whenever and wherever, as part of your membership. This enhances access and reduces overall expenses. Opting for a membership model ensures affordability for patients, allowing me to provide the best care possible for my patients.

  • I recommend considering a membership to proactively address preventative health care and ward off health issues in the future, but I understand you might want to get to know me as a physician first. We do offer up to two non-member visits to help with urgent needs and help you decide if a membership is right for you.

  • Reports indicate improved care and cost savings across the United States with the subscription based direct primary care model. An actuarial study revealed that practices like mine result in fewer specialist referrals, hospital admissions, and ER visits. I've recently partnered with resources to offer additional savings for those opting for cash payments instead of insurance submissions. This includes discounted pricing with labs, imaging centers, and a prescription wholesaler. However, if you prefer to use your insurance, I can provide options, allowing you to make the best decision based on your circumstances.

  • Our practice welcomes all patients – no matter what kind of health plan you do or do not have. If you need to go outside the office – like for labs, blood work, or specialists you can use your health plan like you normally would.

  • Numerous individuals opt to cover their membership costs using their HSA, HRA, or FSA, as these accounts align with the tax code's definition of "qualified medical expenses.". We would recommend you pay for your membership annually rather than monthly if you choose to use HSA funds. You can also use these funds for diagnostics like labs and imaging services as well as prescriptions. *Please be aware that we cannot offer tax or legal advice; it is advisable to consult with your tax advisor for personalized guidance.on

  • Medicare offers a low baseline of primary care services and typically makes it hard to gain personal access to a primary care physician. My practice is excellent for the Medicare patient who values having premium access to a primary care physician that knows them well. My Medicare patients pay practice fees directly, but Medicare coverage remains in place for everything else: specialists, testing performed outside of our office, and hospitalizations. Your Medicare will also cover lab services I prescribe as these are performed by an independent lab affiliate. I can still refer, write prescriptions, and fully act as your primary care physician.

  • We partner with laboratories to offer low cost labs if you choose to pay cash, and with a wholesale pharmacy to provide low cost prescriptions. We also have a relationship with an imaging center for low cost medical imaging. You have the choice of paying with cash or HSA/FSA funds for these services or you can use your insurance as you usually would.

  • We recommend you continue to have some type of health plan coverage, whether that be traditional insurance or a healthshare plan. If you are looking for a cost-effective way to obtain catastrophic care (childbirth, surgery, accidents, etc…), we recommend you enroll in a healthshare. This new type of health plan is affordable, provides great service, and is actually useful to alleviate any emergency medical bills. California allows healthshares as an exemption to the health insurance requirement.

  • It’s easy! We offer online scheduling or you can text or call in when you need to make an appointment. You can schedule in-person or virtual appointments. You can complete your forms online and arrive at your appointment time rather than 10-15 min early. I see my patients at their appointment time. Although my lobby is comfortable, you should have to sit and wait. As a member of my practice there are no additional charges to see me-ever!

  • My practice uses a secure telemedicine app that allows me to be available for questions and concerns, especially in urgent concerns. This tool allows us to securely text, call, video chat, and send pictures in real time. You can also send messages through the Elation Patient Portal for less urgent needs. If we determine that you need to visit the office, I have same day or next day appointments available.

  • If you feel you need to go to the hospital, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are unsure if an emergency room visit is necessary, please call me and we can decide on the best course of action together. As your personal physician, I am happy to send records, discuss your care with the hospital team, and answer any questions you may have during your hospital stay. Please let me know if your emergency room doctor or hospital doctor would like to discuss your care with me. I am also happy to help arrange for your care after you return home.

  • Because my main priority is you and I want to make sure I’m available for you while maintaining little to no wait, same day or next day visits, as well as non-rushed, 30-60 minute visits, I cap my patient panel at 600 patients (a traditional panel is 2000-3000 patients).

  • My service contract is for one year. If you are unhappy with the services OR for any reason wish to cancel your contract, you may do so with a 30-day notice. All contracts are automatically renewed unless a 30-day notice is received by us not to renew.

  • You can call us at 707-760-7249 or click the link below to start the enrollment process!