FAQ's

Numerous reports show better care and cost-saving throughout the United States. In North Carolina, DPC saved $1.28 million in health care claims in one year for 2000 patients. Less paperwork for doctors means more time to spend with patients as needed to manage medical conditions. More time means better access which means fewer specialist referrals, hospital admissions, and ER visits. In insurance-based medical clinics, 43% of the day is spent on needless paperwork.

My practice leverages a telemedicine app that allows me to be available after hours, especially in urgent concerns. This dedicated tool allows us to securely text, video chat, and send pictures in real-time.

Dr. Sitzer has gone old school. When necessary he will come to your home for your ‘office visit’. It’s easy – schedule a visit via secure messaging or call Dr. Sitzer to schedule your appointment. You and I also have the option to a televisit as an alternative for a quick checkup or if you’re sick at home. 

You never know what the future holds for your health, so I would always suggest joining for a membership to take advantage of my time to get ahead of any problems that may pop up. If you aren’t sure if a membership is right for you, whether it be financial, for your health, or otherwise, you can always contact me so we can sit down and I can help you work through your decision.

Because my main priority is you and I want to make sure I’m available for you while maintaining little to no wait, same day or next day visits, as well as non rushed, 30-60 minute visits, I cap my patient panel at several 100 patients (a traditional panel is 2000-3000 patients).

If you feel you need to go to the hospital, please call and discuss with me at any time. I can help you decide whether it’s something we can take care of or if the emergency room is necessary. As your private physician, I would like to be involved in your hospital care—whether to speak to the emergency room physician or the in-patient doctor to assist in your care. We are also happy to keep in touch with your families during your stay and help arrange for your care after you return home.

Medicare offers a low baseline of primary care services and typically makes it hard to gain personal access to a primary care physician. My practice is excellent for the Medicare patient who values having easy access to a primary care physician that knows them. My Medicare patients pay practice fees directly, but Medicare coverage remains in place for everything else: specialists, testing performed outside of our office, and hospitalizations. Your Medicare will also cover labs services I prescribe as these are performed by an independent lab affiliate. I can still refer, write prescriptions, and fully act as your primary care physician.

My fees are compliant with flexible spending (FSAs) and health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), and generally considered compliant with health spending accounts HSA’s. While a membership is a qualified medical expense, I do recommend a best practice of paying semi-annually or annually with an HSA.

My service contract is for one year. If you are unhappy with the services OR for any reason wish to cancel your contract, you may do so with a 30-day notice. Any services already performed (i.e. preventive exams) will be itemized for payment. Any refunds will be granted after the service items are paid. All contracts are automatically renewed unless a 30-day notice is received by us not to renew.

You may pay with cash, credit or check. For convenience, keep a credit card on file for incidentals and make it easier for you to make monthly, quarterly, biannual or annual payments.

The only change is that I’ve partnered with resources that may save you additional money if you would like to pay cash rather than submit to insurance. For example, I’ve partnered with labs, dramatically lower cash-based pricing. However, if you still would like to submit to your insurance you are welcome to do so. I can provide you with those options that allow you to make the right decision based on your situation.

I accept patients as members no matter what insurance they have or do not have. I do not bill insurance. Because of this, to your insurance, this practice will be considered “out of network”.

If you desire, I will work with you to submit claims on your own and help you get reimbursed by your insurance company. How much you are reimbursed is dependent on your specific insurance plan and carrier.

You may pay with cash, check or credit card. I request a credit card on file through our secure business vendor to enjoy a cash-free office environment. The membership is completely inclusive for in-office care including visits, and I can charge your credit card directly if you choose to do any lab work or imaging at cash prices (not through insurance).

If you are going to use your Health Savings Accounts—payment needs to be every 6 months or yearly.

The only change is that I’ve partnered with resources that may save you additional money if you would like to pay cash rather than submit to insurance. However, if you still would like to submit to your insurance you are welcome to do so. I can provide you with those options that allow you to make the right decision based on your situation.

According to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Lifestyle medicine uses evidence-based lifestyle therapeutic approaches to prevent, treat, and oftentimes reverse lifestyle-related chronic disease. The lifestyle medicine approach includes: a predominately whole food, plant-based diet; regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substance use; and use of other non-drug modalities that promote health and prevent disease.