What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model of healthcare that puts patients first. It does not accept insurance, therefore, is able to provide no rush, personalized, and accessible care to the patient.
What is SHINE DPC?
SHINE DPC is a family medicine medical clinic run by Dr. Frances I. Romero, that specializes in providing personal, comprehensive, and accessible care to her patients.
What sets SHINE DPC aside from other practices?
No rush appointments. Personalized Care. Most services included. The restrictions that typically leave physicians in a traditional healthcare setting buried in nonsense paperwork are lifted through Direct Care. This allows Dr. Romero to spend her time where it really counts: with her patients.
Will I benefit from SHINE DPC if I don’t require frequent medical attention?
Of course. We might argue that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why Dr. Romero offers truly custom healthcare. Her practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health, to the enhancements of your daily experience that only physical well-being can bring. She is here for your reactive needs. But proactive and wellness healthcare is important, and we’re here for that, too. The reality is, that Dr. Romero wants you to visit the office, text her, or use her video office appointments, provided with your membership.
Does SHINE DPC accept health insurance?
No. Perhaps the most critical distinction in this model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and Dr. Romero. She decided not to accept insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payers. Furthermore, this direct services arrangement frees Dr. Romero from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.
As a member of SHINE DPC, will I still need health insurance?
Yes. Dr. Romero recommends her patients to continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. Dr. Romero is happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.
If I have Medicare, can I still join SHINE DPC?”
Yes! As of October 1st, 2023, Dr. Romero will be "OPTED OUT" of Medicare and can privately contract with Medicare-eligible patients. Call or text (239) 237-5688 for more details. Patients with Medicare may still use Medicare to cover labs, medicines, and specialists. Only Dr. Romero's services are not covered by Medicare.
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