What is Direct Primary Care? How is it different from traditional doctors’ offices?

Direct Primary Care is a service model of healthcare delivery that returns focus to the doctor-patient relationship. Rather than waiting for hours in a crowded office to see “whoever is available” you and your family have direct access to a doctor that knows your family, your child’s medical history and personality and will do what is in the best interest of your child.

Why don’t you take insurance?

Direct Primary Care is not meant to be a replacement for health insurance but can offer substantial savings by offering a better value for cost. Insurance companies negotiate reimbursement rates with doctors and hospitals so that someone with insurance can end up paying far more for a given service (such as an MRI) than an individual paying the “cash price”. That’s IF the insurance company approves the service. This payment structure can delay and limit the care that your child receives. In bypassing the insurance company, you can have access to your child’s own doctor when you need her with the assurance that you will never have a co-pay or a surprise bill from Village Pediatrics.

If you have insurance, it will usually cover any imaging, labs, prescription medications, hospitalizations and visits with specialists once your deductible is met. If you have a high-deductible health plan and a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account (HSA/FSA), you can use those pre-tax dollars to pay for membership fees or services offered by Village Pediatrics.

Are vaccines included?

While routine childhood immunizations are not included in the cost of membership, Village Pediatrics offers immunizations at a transparent price along with a receipt that can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement. Immunizations can also be obtained and paid for by insurance through the Southern Nevada Health District.

What if Dr. Hull is on vacation?

As a member of the Village Pediatrics family, you will be notified when Dr. Hull plans time away from the Las Vegas metro area. Well visits and follow-ups will be scheduled around her vacation time so that your child is not without care or medications while she’s away. In the event that your child becomes ill or injured during Dr. Hull’s vacation, you will be directed to an Urgent Care or Emergency Department that Dr. Hull has vetted. Follow-up on such events will take place upon her return.

What if my child gets sick while we’re on vacation?

No problem! One of the many benefits of Direct Primary Care is that you have access to Dr. Hull whether you’re in Boston or Honolulu. Dr. Hull can assess the situation via telehealth and determine the best course of action. This may save your family a trip to an ER or Urgent Care in an unfamiliar location. Of course, if your child has a life-threatening condition or injury, the best course of action is to call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.