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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a simpler way to access primary care. Instead of billing insurance for each visit, you pay a straightforward monthly membership fee directly to Brown Jug Direct Primary Care. This allows us to spend more time together, provide exceptional access, and focus on your health rather than insurance billing.
What is included in my monthly membership?
Most routine primary care services are included in your membership. This includes office visits, routine physicals, evaluation of acute illnesses, chronic disease management, medication management, preventive care, and follow-up for many common medical conditions. There are no additional charges for most routine primary care visits.
What is not included in the membership?
Some services are available for an additional charge, including Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). Certain medications, laboratory testing, imaging, outside specialist care, and other services performed outside Brown Jug may also have separate costs.
We will be transparent about any additional costs before you incur them whenever possible.
Do I still need health insurance?
Yes. Direct Primary Care does not replace health insurance.
Your Brown Jug membership provides access to primary care, while health insurance can provide protection against the cost of major medical expenses such as hospitalization, emergency care, specialist care, advanced imaging, and other services outside the practice.
Some patients choose a high-deductible health plan or other insurance option that complements their DPC membership.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for my membership?
DPC membership fees are generally eligible for payment or reimbursement through an HSA or FSA, but please check with your plan administrator or tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
How much does membership cost?
Brown Jug membership is based on age:
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Under 26: $50/month
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Ages 26-39: $100/month
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Age 40 and older: $125/month
Family pricing and discounts may be available. Please contact us for details.
How quickly can I see my doctor?
Exceptional access is one of the primary benefits of Brown Jug Direct Primary Care. Because the practice is intentionally limited in size, we can offer appointments with much greater availability than is typical in traditional primary care. When appropriate, we also communicate by phone, text, or email, allowing many concerns to be addressed without an office visit.
Are visits rushed?
No. Brown Jug is designed around the idea that good primary care takes time. Without the traditional insurance-driven volume of visits, appointments can be more relaxed and focused on your individual concerns.
What types of conditions do you treat?
Brown Jug Direct Primary Care provides comprehensive family medicine for many common acute and chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid conditions, asthma and COPD, anxiety and depression, arthritis, chronic pain, minor injuries, infections, respiratory illnesses, and many other common medical concerns.
Do you provide routine physicals and preventive care?
Yes. Routine physicals, preventive health planning, appropriate health screenings, and ongoing health maintenance are part of primary care at Brown Jug.
Do you manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure?
Yes. Ongoing management of common chronic conditions—including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid conditions, and many others—is included in your membership.
Do you provide preoperative evaluations?
Yes. Preoperative medical evaluations and medical risk assessments are available as part of your primary care membership when appropriate.
Do you provide care for urgent or same-day problems?
Yes. Brown Jug Direct Primary Care is designed to provide convenient access for many acute concerns, including respiratory infections, sinus and ear infections, urinary tract infections, minor injuries, rashes, gastrointestinal illnesses, and other common problems. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, however, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Do you provide Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?
Yes. OMT is available to Brown Jug members for $50 per session as an additional service beyond the monthly membership. OMT may be helpful for a variety of musculoskeletal concerns, including back and neck pain, headaches, joint and muscle pain, and other conditions where hands-on osteopathic treatment may be beneficial.
Can I receive OMT if I am not a Brown Jug member?
Yes. Non-members may receive OMT for $249 per session.
Also, in select cases, an OMT-only membership may also be available for individuals who are primarily interested in osteopathic treatment rather than ongoing primary care. This may be particularly appealing to people who already have a primary care physician but are seeking additional hands-on care, including some individuals with conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Please inquire if you are interested in the OMT-only option.
Can I keep my current specialists?
Absolutely. Brown Jug Direct Primary Care does not replace your relationships with specialists. When appropriate, we can coordinate care with your existing specialists and help you navigate the healthcare system.
Can Brown Jug order laboratory tests and imaging?
Yes. Appropriate laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging can be ordered when medically indicated. These services may have a separate cost depending on the facility, test, and your insurance coverage. They can be completed at locations where your insurance participates. Lab work done at Brown Jug Direct Primary Care, however, will be charged based upon a transparent pricing menu.
Can Brown Jug prescribe medications?
Yes. Medications can be prescribed and managed when medically appropriate. Prescription medications are generally not included in the monthly membership and are subject to their usual pharmacy costs.
Can I become a Brown Jug member if I have health problems?
Yes. DPC is primary care for people with a wide range of health needs, including chronic medical conditions. Your health history does not have to be simple or uncomplicated to benefit from a more accessible primary care relationship.
Do you accept Medicare?
Brown Jug is a direct-pay practice. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, please contact your broker before enrolling to be certain that orders from Brown Jug Direct Primary Care are not viewed as "out of network" and are recognized. Please be sure to review your situation, particularly with Medicare Advantage Plan HMO plans.
Do you accept insurance?
Brown Jug does not bill commercial health insurance for membership-based primary care services. This allows us to keep pricing transparent and avoid the administrative complexity associated with traditional insurance billing. You may still use your health insurance for services outside the practice, including specialists, hospitals, imaging, and other covered care.
Can my employer pay for my Brown Jug membership?
Yes. Brown Jug can work with employers interested in offering Direct Primary Care as an employee health benefit. DPC can provide employees with convenient access to primary care while potentially reducing unnecessary utilization and improving the overall healthcare experience. If you are an employer or benefits leader interested in partnering with Brown Jug, please contact us.
Is Brown Jug only for individuals?
No. Brown Jug welcomes individuals, families, and employer partnerships. Family membership options can make DPC an especially convenient way for households to access primary care.
How do I become a member?
Getting started is simple. Contact Brown Jug or begin the enrollment process online. Once your membership is established, you can begin using the practice according to the terms of your membership.
What if I'm not sure whether Brown Jug is right for me?
That's exactly what we're here to help with. Contact us with your questions, and we can discuss your needs, explain how the membership works, and determine whether Brown Jug is a good fit for you or your family.
What are the main reasons people choose DPC?
Unhurried Visits, Excellent Access, and Transparent, Predictable Costs!
Primary care should be simple.