Frequently Asked Questions

Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a healthcare model that removes insurance from the middle so care can stay personal, transparent, and accessible. You pay a predictable monthly membership instead of copays or per-visit charges, and in return, you get direct access to your doctor, longer visits, and proactive care that actually fits your life.

Homestead Family Medicine is a physician-led Direct Primary Care practice based in Bend, Oregon, serving patients of all ages and stages of life. We believe in care that’s rooted in time, trust, and follow-through—medicine the way it should be.

We’ve stripped away the layers of red tape that slow medicine down. That means no insurance billing, no rushed appointments, and no middlemen telling your doctor how to do their job. Our focus is on relationships, continuity, and doing the right thing for each patient, every time.

Yes. DPC isn’t insurance. You’ll still want a high-deductible or catastrophic plan for hospitalizations, surgeries, and major medical expenses. DPC covers your everyday primary care needs, but insurance is there for the unexpected.

No—and that’s by design. Our direct-pay model keeps care simple, transparent, and between you and your doctor. Without insurance contracts, we can offer fair prices, more time, and better access.

Your membership includes nearly all your primary care—office visits, follow-ups, virtual visits, and direct communication with your doctor. We also perform many procedures and in-office tests at no extra cost, and we provide labs and medications at wholesale rates. If something isn’t covered, we’ll help you find the most affordable option.

Both models focus on access and relationship, but DPC is designed to be affordable and accessible. Concierge practices usually bill insurance and charge a high annual fee; DPC replaces that with a simple monthly membership that serves everyday families and individuals.

Yes. DPC isn’t just for the sick—it’s for staying healthy. You’ll have a doctor who knows you well, keeps tabs on your long-term health, and helps prevent small issues from becoming big ones. Many of our healthiest members value the peace of mind and ongoing support this model provides.

We’ll help coordinate every step. You’ll use your insurance for specialist or hospital services, but your doctor will stay involved—communicating with outside providers, sharing information, and making sure your care remains connected and consistent.

Absolutely. We provide family care for all ages. While we currently coordinate childhood vaccinations externally, we can arrange them through trusted partners and anticipate offering them in-clinic soon.

You can still join Homestead. You’ll sign a one-time waiver stating that neither you nor your doctor will bill Medicare for services at Homestead. Medicare will still cover labs, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations ordered by our office.

Not at this time. Current tax law doesn’t recognize DPC memberships as deductible medical expenses. We recommend checking with your accountant for the most up-to-date guidance.

We are not Medicaid, HMO, or Tricare providers. These plans usually require you to see an assigned provider for referrals and testing. However, we can often help arrange affordable self-pay options for labs, imaging, or consultations when needed.

Yes. Because illness doesn’t keep business hours, you can call, text, or email your doctor anytime. We respond as soon as possible and help determine whether you need to be seen or can be treated remotely.

We can often diagnose and treat common issues over phone, text, or video. If medication is needed, we’ll send prescriptions to the nearest pharmacy wherever you are.

Never without your permission. Your records stay private and are never shared with insurers, employers, or pharmaceutical companies unless you request it.

Start with a free meet-and-greet. It’s a 30-minute conversation with your doctor to see how we work and whether the model feels right for you. There’s no pressure—just a chance to understand how care can feel when it slows down enough to really listen.