FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is Direct Primary Care? Why can't you just take my insurance?
Under the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, the patient (you) receives comprehensive primary health care directly from their DPC physician (Dr. Barreto). The patient pays for this care through an economical monthly fee, paid directly to Barreto Family Medicine. That fee covers many primary care services, like office visits, skin biopsies, etc. As a member of Barreto Family Medicine, you will still use your health insurance to pay for medications, labs and other testing, imaging, referrals, and hospitalizations.
Health insurance for a patient of a Direct Primary Care practice has been likened to car insurance. Car insurance is there if you get into a car accident but it is not used for routine car maintenance, such as oil changes and new tires. Similarly, health insurance plans, particularly those with high-deductibles, are there when you need healthcare beyond primary care.
Because DPC practices do not participate in any insurance plans, your physician is able to avoid the sky-rocketing documentation costs and administrative intrusions that come with accepting insurance. These require staff, time, and money, often amounting to intrusions on patient care and privacy.
Because DPC physicians avoid these obligations to insurance companies, they are free to spend that time listening to and treating patients. And because DPC physicians eliminate the significant overhead costs of participating in insurance, they can pass the savings on to you, the patient, and give compassionate, attentive and timely care at an affordable cost.
At Barreto Family Medicine, we work for YOU, not some giant profit-driven corporation. The DPC model allows us more time to build relationships. We believe it's these relationships that do the real healing work.
For more information about Direct Primary Care, click here.
Does Barreto Family Medicine accept health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare?
No. We've decided to step out of the broken healthcare model you read about and have time to care for our patients and ourselves. We will be paid by you, not your insurance company. If you have Medicare, you are welcome here as well. Medicare requires the patient and doctor to sign a waiver promising that we will not bill Medicare for our services. Your private insurance, Medicaid and/ or Medicare will still cover labs, imaging, and medications prescribed by our office as well as hospitalizations and specialists referrals. You receive the care you deserve and need. Decisions about your health are made between you and your doctor, the way it should be.
This is all very new and different stuff. I want to check things out with my insurance but what do I ask them?
Dr. Barreto will be considered an out-of-network provider. You'll want to ask if an out-of-network provider orders labs, imaging, referrals or medications, will that service still be covered.
If you want to describe what the type of practice this is, you can describe it as:
Direct Primary Care
An affordable Concierge Practice
A Membership Model Practice
Should I still have insurance?
Yes. You need health insurance for the big things like cancer, heart attacks, and car wrecks. We encourage you to have a major medical plan. Your private insurance, Medicaid and/ or Medicare will still cover labs, imaging, and medications prescribed by our office as well as hospitalizations and specialists referrals.
By participating in this practice, does this count toward ACA requirements?
Unfortunately, no. Being a member of this practice will not count toward the ACA requirements. You can consider getting a low premium, high deductible plan to pair with our practice for the most economical way for your overall care.
Will I still benefit from a membership even if I don't go to the doctor that often?
Absolutely. You will be able to text, email, and call Dr. Barreto. Not all problems require a trip to the office. Maintaining your health is very important. The best way to stay healthy is to prevent disease in the first place. Chances are, you have a maintenance plan for your car. Shouldn't you have a maintenance plan for your life? And you never know when you will be in urgent need of a doctor, and it is nice to have a personal relationship with one when you do.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for the membership?
Your membership fee covers medical office visits and services including an annual physical tailored to your needs. Consult your plan and tax accountant for eligibility.
Is there a limit to the number of patients you'll accept?
Yes. Dr. Barreto is only one person. There is a balance of what one human can do to provide optimal care. So in order for Dr. Barreto to have time and flexibility for each patient, enrollment will be limited by our patient panel goal of only 200 patients.
You may choose to stop your membership at any time after your initial 3 month minimum membership expires and be removed as an active patient. If you choose to rejoin, you will be placed on the waiting list for new patients, if the panel is full.
What if Dr. Barreto is on vacation?
Unless there is an emergency, we will do our best to notify you when upcoming vacations and away-times are, so that you can plan to be seen before he leaves. However, coverage arrangements for our members will be in place so you will never be without care.
How do I make an appointment?
Call 607-988-0105 or click here. Note that any appointments made via our online scheduling link are tentative appointments, which will be reviewed by Dr. Barreto. We may then contact you for additional information, offer alternative dates and times depending on reason for visit, availability, etc., and/or directly confirm your chosen appointment date and time.
How do I sign up?
Fill out a New Patient Form and you’ll be contacted shortly!