Understanding the relationship between Direct Primary Care and insurance is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions. Here’s everything Merritt Island residents need to know about DPC payment options and how this model can actually save you money.
If you’re considering Direct Primary Care in Merritt Island, you’ve likely wondered: “Does Direct Primary Care accept insurance?” This is one of the most common questions patients ask when exploring healthcare alternatives, and the answer might surprise you.
The short answer: Most Direct Primary Care practices, including AZ Health Solutions, operate independently of insurance. But this isn’t a limitation—it’s actually the key to providing better, more accessible healthcare.
How Direct Primary Care Works Without Insurance
Direct Primary Care operates on a membership model rather than an insurance-based fee-for-service system. At AZ Health Solutions in Merritt Island, patients pay a monthly membership fee of $99 for adults 18+ that provides:
- Unlimited office visits with no copays
- Direct access to Dr. Ashley Zawodniak via phone, text, and email
- Extended appointment times (60 minutes for new patients, 30 minutes for follow-ups)
- Same-day or next-day appointments for urgent concerns
- Comprehensive annual wellness exams
- Basic procedures and care coordination
This membership model eliminates the need for insurance billing, allowing Dr. Zawodniak to focus entirely on patient care rather than paperwork and prior authorizations.
Why DPC Practices Don’t Accept Insurance
The decision to operate independently of insurance isn’t arbitrary—it’s strategic. Here’s why most DPC practices, including AZ Health Solutions, choose this approach:
Administrative Freedom
Insurance billing requires extensive administrative overhead, forcing practices to hire additional staff and spend countless hours on:
- Prior authorization requests
- Claims processing and appeals
- Insurance company communications
- Billing code documentation
By eliminating insurance billing, Dr. Zawodniak can maintain a smaller patient panel and dedicate more time to each patient.
Transparent Pricing
Without insurance intermediaries, DPC practices can offer:
- Predictable monthly costs with no surprise bills
- Wholesale pricing on labs and medications
- No hidden fees or unexpected charges
- Direct cost negotiations with patients
Enhanced Patient-Doctor Relationship
Insurance companies often dictate:
- How long appointments can last
- Which treatments are “covered”
- When patients can seek care
- What diagnostic tests are approved
DPC removes these barriers, allowing medical decisions to be made between you and your physician.
Payment Options at AZ Health Solutions
AZ Health Solutions offers flexible payment options to make healthcare accessible for Brevard County families:
Monthly Membership Payment
- $99/month for adults 18+
- Automatic billing available
- No long-term contracts required
- Cancel anytime with 30-day notice
Family Planning Options
While the base membership covers individual adults, Dr. Zawodniak works with families to create affordable care solutions. Contact the practice at (321) 492-0390 to discuss family membership options.
Health Savings Account (HSA) Compatibility
DPC memberships are HSA-eligible expenses, allowing you to:
- Use pre-tax dollars for membership fees
- Reduce your overall healthcare costs
- Maintain tax advantages while accessing quality care
What Your DPC Membership Covers
Your $99 monthly membership at AZ Health Solutions includes comprehensive primary care services:
Included Services
✓ Unlimited office visits for any health concern
✓ Annual comprehensive physical exams
✓ Acute illness treatment (infections, injuries, etc.)
✓ Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
✓ Preventive care counseling
✓ Basic procedures (sutures, injections, wound care)
✓ Care coordination with specialists
✓ Direct physician access during business hours
✓ Prescription guidance and management
✓ Health coaching and lifestyle counseling
Additional Services (Separate Fees)
- Laboratory tests (offered at wholesale prices)
- Imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasounds)
- Specialty medications
- Complex procedures requiring specialist referral
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (10% discount for DPC members)
Using Insurance for Additional Services
While AZ Health Solutions doesn’t bill insurance for DPC services, you can still use your insurance for:
Specialist Care
Dr. Zawodniak provides referrals and coordinates care with specialists who do accept insurance, ensuring seamless transitions when specialized care is needed.
Emergency Services
Your existing insurance covers emergency room visits, urgent care centers, and hospital stays. DPC membership actually reduces emergency visits through better access to primary care.
Diagnostic Testing
Many insurance plans cover:
- Advanced imaging (MRI, CT scans)
- Specialist consultations
- Surgical procedures
- Hospital admissions
Prescription Coverage
Your pharmacy benefits remain active, and Dr. Zawodniak works to prescribe medications covered by your plan whenever possible.
Cost Comparison: DPC vs Traditional Insurance
Many Merritt Island residents discover that DPC membership actually costs less than traditional insurance-based primary care:
Traditional Primary Care Annual Costs
- Insurance premiums: $3,000-$8,000
- Deductible: $1,500-$5,000
- Copays (12 visits): $300-$600
- Total estimated cost: $4,800-$13,600
AZ Health Solutions DPC Annual Costs
- Monthly membership: $1,188/year ($99 × 12 months)
- No copays or deductibles
- Wholesale lab/medication pricing
- Total estimated cost: $1,188 + wholesale services
Additional Savings
DPC members often experience:
- Reduced emergency room visits through better access
- Lower prescription costs through wholesale pricing
- Fewer specialist referrals due to comprehensive primary care
- Less time off work for healthcare appointments
Real Patient Success Stories
“After years of waiting weeks for appointments and feeling rushed during 10-minute visits, joining Dr. Zawodniak’s DPC practice has been life-changing. I can text her directly with questions and actually have time to discuss my health concerns during appointments.” – Sarah M., Merritt Island
“The monthly membership fee seemed expensive at first, but when I calculated what I was spending on copays and my high deductible, DPC actually saves me money while giving me better care.” – Michael R., Melbourne
Making the Switch to Direct Primary Care
If you’re ready to experience healthcare without insurance hassles, here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Schedule a Meet & Greet
Contact AZ Health Solutions at (321) 492-0390 for a no-obligation consultation to discuss:
- Your current healthcare frustrations
- How DPC can address your specific needs
- Membership details and pricing
- Transition process from your current provider
Step 2: Evaluate Your Current Costs
Calculate your annual healthcare spending including:
- Insurance premiums and deductibles
- Copays and out-of-pocket expenses
- Time lost due to poor access
- Stress from insurance complications
Step 3: Consider Your Health Goals
DPC is ideal if you value:
- Preventive care and health optimization
- Direct access to your physician
- Personalized attention and unhurried appointments
- Transparent pricing without surprise bills
Take Control of Your Healthcare Today
Understanding that Direct Primary Care doesn’t accept insurance is actually understanding why it works so well. By removing insurance barriers, DPC practices like AZ Health Solutions can provide:
- Better access to your physician
- More time during appointments
- Transparent pricing without surprises
- Personalized care focused on your goals
Ready to experience healthcare that’s actually about you? Dr. Ashley Zawodniak and the team at AZ Health Solutions are transforming primary care for Brevard County residents.
Call (321) 492-0390 today to schedule your free Meet & Greet consultation and discover how Direct Primary Care can improve your health while simplifying your healthcare experience.
About AZ Health Solutions: Located in Merritt Island, Florida, AZ Health Solutions provides Direct Primary Care and hormone optimization services to Brevard County residents. Dr. Ashley Zawodniak, DO, FACP, combines her nursing background with board-certified internal medicine expertise to deliver compassionate, accessible healthcare without insurance hassles.
