What should i expect during my first visit?
At FamilyFirst, our mission is to deliver unparalleled healthcare by tailoring our services to meet your unique needs. Your initial appointment is scheduled for approximately one hour, during which we will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, perform a physical examination, discuss preventive health screenings, and address any specific health concerns you may have.
Does every follow-up visit need to be in person?
We recognize the demands of your busy schedule and understand that in-person follow-up visits may not always be feasible. As such, while your first appointment as a new patient and any annual physical exams with Dr. Gupta must take place in our office, we offer the convenience of telehealth for all subsequent follow-up appointments. You can easily schedule your appointment via our website. Dr. Gupta personally oversees all appointment requests to ensure they meet your health needs. Should there be any discrepancies, our office will reach out to you directly to provide further assistance.
What if i join and don't like it?
We are committed to your satisfaction, but should you decide to cancel your membership for any reason, you are free to do so at any time. We kindly request a 30-day notice to ensure that we can arrange for any necessary follow-up care or medication management prior to your departure.
Do i still need insurance?
The primary reason to maintain health insurance is to cover essential medical services that direct primary care does not cover, such as lab tests, medications, radiology studies, speciality consultations, surgeries and hospital stays.
Most HMO-style insurance plans mandate consultations with an in-network primary care physician before seeing a specialist. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for detailed information regarding their policies. In instances where a referral to a specialist is necessary, its important to have an ongoing relationship with a primary care doctor. These situations are addressed on an individual basis and fees may vary accordingly.
What if i have a high deductible plan?
FamilyFirst is an excellent option for individuals with high deductible insurance plans. Many Direct Primary Care patients adjust their insurance coverage to balance the total cost of their insurance and Direct Primary Care membership, maintaining their overall healthcare expenditure as it was prior to joining a Direct Primary Care Practice. Opting for lower monthly insurance premiums combined with the cost of membership at FamilyFirst Primary Care typically results in annual savings for our patients.
Can I use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay my monthly bill?
Yes! In general, you may use your HSA funds to cover your monthly medical services but we do recommend double checking with your account manager first. Unfortunately, FSA funds cannot be used for your monthly medical services at this time.
What about lab tests?
Our practice partners with LabCorp, and as part of your membership benefits, FamilyFirst covers the cost of your annual laboratory tests (discussed in the membership section). Dr. Gupta will order the necessary labs and provide you with a printed prescription to take to any LabCorp location, where the service will then be billed to your insurance. While these tests are typically covered by insurance, we advise you to verify coverage with your insurance provider due to the vast array of insurance products and their respective rules. Additionally, FamilyFirst offers lab tests at a discounted cost, with payment required at the time of service.
Pricing Comparison for Labs
We are happy to order your labs so that your insurance company is charged. But, if you have a high deductible plan, that can mean a lot of money from your wallet. At FamilyFirst, you can also pay for your labs directly – at a fraction of the cost. Take a look at the FamilyFirst difference:
What happens if i need emergency care or hospitalization?
If you experience a life-threatening emergency, immediately dial 911. Should hospitalization become necessary, you will be admitted under the care of a hospitalist, not Dr. Gupta. Nonetheless, our team will stay actively engaged by communicating with the attending doctors, reviewing your medical studies, and providing explanations and personalized guidance for your care.