TUCSON · DIRECT PRIMARY CARE
Frequently
Asked Questions
Common questions
about your care.
Choosing a more personal approach to healthcare comes with questions.
Here are straightforward answers to help you understand how Direct Primary Care works and what to expect at The Family Doctor.
CATEGORIES
5 SECTIONS
12 / FAQ
25 QUESTIONS
~ 8 MIN READ
01
CATEGORY ONE
About Direct Primary Care.
5 QUESTIONS
Q1
What is Direct Primary Care?
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Q2
Q3
Q4
Q5
Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model built around a direct, ongoing relationship between you and your physician — with no insurance involvement in your everyday care. Instead of billing insurance for each visit, you pay a simple monthly membership fee for ongoing access to your primary care doctor and a broad range of routine medical services. It removes the administrative friction so care stays focused on you.
How is DPC different from traditional insurance-based care?
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In a traditional clinic, high patient volume often means shorter visits, longer waits, and care that can feel impersonal. With Direct Primary Care, the practice maintains a smaller patient panel — which means longer appointments, a physician who genuinely knows your history, and care that is built around you rather than a high-volume schedule. Pricing is also transparent, with no surprise bills.
Is Direct Primary Care the same as health insurance?
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No. Direct Primary Care covers your everyday primary care needs — routine visits, sick care, preventive care, and ongoing health management. It does not replace insurance for hospitalizations, surgeries, emergencies, or specialist care. Membership is not health insurance and does not satisfy ACA minimum essential coverage requirements. Most members pair their membership with a health insurance plan for broader coverage.
Is DPC the same as concierge medicine?
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They share similarities — more time with your doctor, better access, a stronger care relationship — but Direct Primary Care is designed to be practical and accessible for individuals and families, not a premium-priced luxury service. The Family Doctor offers concierge-style care through the DPC model at a straightforward monthly membership rate.
Who is a good fit for Direct Primary Care?
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DPC works well for a wide range of patients: those managing chronic conditions who want more thoughtful, comprehensive care; individuals and families who value having a physician who truly knows them; patients with insurance who want a more personalized experience; and anyone who has grown frustrated with rushed or fragmented care.
02
CATEGORY TWO
Membership and insurance.
6 QUESTIONS
Q6
What does membership include?
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Q7
Membership includes personalized, relationship-based care:
+ Unlimited office visits
+ Extended appointment times
+ Direct access to your physician’s personal cell phone
+ Virtual appointments
+ Secure patient portal messaging
+ An annual flu shot
+ Discounted labs and imaging
+ Significantly reduced pricing on many generic medications
The goal is to cover the care you use most — simply and predictably.
Can I still be a member if I have health insurance?
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Q8
Yes. Many members carry health insurance alongside their DPC membership. Membership handles everyday primary care, while insurance provides a safety net for larger or unexpected medical events. This combination often results in better care and fewer out-of-pocket surprises, particularly for those on high-deductible plans.
Can I use my Health Savings Account to pay for membership?
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HSA eligibility for DPC memberships depends on your specific plan. We recommend checking with your HSA administrator or tax advisor to confirm what applies to your situation.
Q9
Does insurance cover the monthly membership fee?
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Q10
Q11
Most insurance plans do not cover DPC membership fees directly. The practice does not submit claims to insurance companies, though receipts with visit and procedure codes can be provided if you wish to submit for reimbursement on your own. Many patients find that membership offsets costs they would otherwise spend on co-pays, urgent care visits, and out-of-pocket expenses throughout the year.
Do I still need insurance?
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Yes — we strongly recommend maintaining health insurance for unexpected or high-cost medical events such as hospitalizations, surgeries, and specialist care. Direct Primary Care is designed to work alongside your coverage, not replace it. Membership is not health insurance and does not satisfy ACA minimum essential coverage requirements.
Do you accept Medicaid or Medicare?
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The practice cannot accept AHCCCS-enrolled patients at this time. Dr. Kartchner is not a Medicare provider, but Medicare-enrolled patients may still be seen, and labs and imaging ordered through the practice may be eligible for Medicare coverage. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
03
CATEGORY THREE
Your care.
7 QUESTIONS
Q12
What conditions can be treated?
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Q13
The Family Doctor provides broad family medicine coverage across all age groups, from newborns to older adults. This includes common illnesses, preventive care, chronic disease management, and a range of in-office procedures. When specialized care is needed, your physician helps coordinate referrals and stays involved in your overall care.
Will my visits feel rushed?
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No. Appointments are designed to give you the time you need to talk through your concerns, ask questions, and understand your care. Because the practice maintains a smaller patient panel, visits are unhurried and built around your needs.
Q14
Can I contact my doctor between visits?
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Q15
Q16
Yes. Members have direct access to their physician by personal cell phone and through secure messaging on the patient portal. For non-urgent communication, portal messaging is preferred. Routine daytime concerns are generally directed to the office during office hours, but direct physician access is available when you genuinely need it. Virtual appointments are also available.
How quickly can I be seen?
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New patients join online and complete their medical history at their own pace. The office then contacts you to schedule your first visit — current wait time for new patient visits is approximately one month. Once you are an established member, appointments are generally scheduled within 48 business hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
Do you see pregnant patients?
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The practice does not provide obstetric care or deliver babies. Non-pregnancy-related health needs can continue to be managed during pregnancy, and your physician can help coordinate with your OB provider.
Q17
Do I need to be vaccinated to be a patient?
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Q18
Vaccinations are an important part of preventive care at this practice. Patients who decline vaccines without a clear medical reason may not be eligible for membership, as the practice serves vulnerable patient populations.
What about medications?
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Many common generic medications are available through the practice at significantly reduced costs — up to 97% off for many generics. If you have questions about a specific medication, contact the office and we will work with you to find a solution.
04
CATEGORY FOUR
Emergencies and outside care.
4 QUESTIONS
Q19
What should I do in a medical emergency?
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Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Direct Primary Care is not designed for emergency situations. Once you are stable, your physician can help with follow-up care and coordination.
Q20
What if I need hospitalization or surgery?
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Hospital and surgical care fall outside the membership. Your physician does not provide inpatient hospital care but can help coordinate with the appropriate providers and remain involved in your ongoing care.
Q21
What if I need to see a specialist?
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Specialist visits are not included in the membership fee, but your physician can guide referrals and coordinate with specialists to keep your care connected and your overall health picture in focus.
Q22
What if I need care while traveling?
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Contact the practice directly — your physician can address many concerns remotely through phone or portal communication. For urgent needs while traveling, seek local urgent or emergency care as appropriate.
05
CATEGORY FIVE
Getting started.
3 QUESTIONS
Q23
How do I join The Family Doctor?
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You can join online and complete your medical history at your own pace. The office will then contact you to schedule your first visit. There are no long-term contracts required.
Q24
How do I cancel my membership?
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Q25
Membership can be canceled at any time. A one-time $50 registration fee applies to new accounts and is non-refundable. Partial payment may still be owed for the current month at the time of cancellation. If you cancel and later rejoin, a $200 re-enrollment fee may apply. Contact the office for details.
What if my physician is unavailable when I need care?
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The practice will do its best to ensure continuity of care. If your physician is unavailable, the office will help guide you to the most appropriate next step for your situation.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We are happy to help.
Reach us at (520) 777-1973 or use one of the options below.
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The Family Doctor
A concierge-style family doctor in Tucson — built around time, access, and actually knowing you.
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1670 N Kolb Road #146
Tucson, AZ 85715
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