Are you tired of waiting weeks for doctor appointments in Merritt Island, only to be rushed through a 7-minute visit? Frustrated with insurance denials and endless prior authorizations? There’s a better way to experience healthcare right here in Brevard County.
Direct primary care is revolutionizing how patients access quality medical care by removing insurance companies from the doctor-patient relationship. This innovative approach to healthcare is gaining tremendous popularity across Florida, with over 1,300 DPC practices nationwide serving more than 350,000 patients who’ve discovered the freedom of membership-based medicine.
At AZ Health Solutions in Merritt Island, Dr. Ashley Zawodniak is bringing this patient-centered approach to Brevard County residents, offering accessible healthcare without the traditional barriers that have made medicine impersonal and frustrating.
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct primary care (DPC) is a healthcare model where patients pay a monthly membership fee directly to their physician’s practice, bypassing insurance companies entirely. Think of it like a gym membership for your health – one simple monthly payment provides unlimited access to comprehensive primary care services.
Unlike traditional fee-for-service medicine or concierge medicine with high annual fees, DPC offers an affordable alternative that puts the doctor-patient relationship first. According to the Direct Primary Care Coalition, the average DPC membership costs between $50-150 per month, making quality healthcare accessible to a broader range of patients in Merritt Island and throughout Brevard County.
Key Features of Direct Primary Care:
- Monthly membership model instead of per-visit fees
- Direct access to your physician via phone, text, and email
- Extended appointment times (typically 30-60 minutes)
- Same-day or next-day appointments for urgent needs
- No insurance paperwork or prior authorizations
- Transparent, predictable pricing
This personalized direct primary care model allows Dr. Zawodniak to limit her patient panel, ensuring each member receives the time, attention, and comprehensive care they deserve.
How Direct Primary Care Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Membership Plan
At AZ Health Solutions, adults 18 and older can join for $99 per month. This membership includes:
- Unlimited office visits with no copays
- Annual wellness exams and preventive care
- Acute illness treatment and chronic disease management
- Basic procedures like sutures and injections
- Direct communication with Dr. Zawodniak during business hours
- Care coordination with specialists when needed
Step 2: Schedule Your Comprehensive Health Assessment
Your first appointment as a DPC member is a full 60-minute evaluation where Dr. Zawodniak will:
- Review your complete medical history
- Conduct a thorough physical examination
- Discuss your health goals and concerns
- Create a personalized care plan
- Provide direct contact information for ongoing access
Step 3: Experience Healthcare Freedom
Once you’re a member, you’ll have:
- Direct physician access: Text or call Dr. Zawodniak directly with questions
- Flexible scheduling: Same-day appointments for urgent concerns
- Unhurried visits: Time to address all your health concerns thoroughly
- Proactive care: Focus on prevention and wellness optimization
- True partnership: Active participation in your healthcare decisions
The Benefits of Direct Primary Care
Immediate Advantages
Enhanced Access and Convenience
- Same-day or next-day appointments
- Direct communication with your physician via phone, text, or email
- Extended visit times (30-60 minutes vs. 7-15 minutes in traditional practices)
- Minimal wait times in the office
- Telemedicine options for routine follow-ups
Financial Transparency
- Predictable monthly costs
- No surprise medical bills
- Wholesale pricing on labs and medications
- No copays or deductibles for office visits
- HSA-compatible for additional tax savings
Personalized Care Experience
- Smaller patient panels allow for individualized attention
- Continuous relationship with the same physician
- Comprehensive care coordination
- Prevention-focused approach
- Patient education and health coaching
Long-Term Health Benefits
Research published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine shows that DPC patients experience:
- 40% reduction in emergency room visits due to better access to primary care
- 65% decrease in specialist referrals through comprehensive primary care management
- Improved chronic disease outcomes from consistent monitoring and care
- Higher patient satisfaction scores compared to traditional practices
- Better preventive care compliance due to accessible, relationship-based care
Direct Primary Care vs Traditional Healthcare: What’s the Difference?
| Aspect | Traditional Healthcare | Direct Primary Care |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Model | Insurance billing + copays | Monthly membership fee |
| Appointment Time | 7-15 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Access to Doctor | Through office staff | Direct phone/text/email |
| Appointment Availability | 2-4 weeks wait | Same-day or next-day |
| Annual Cost | $4,800-$13,600* | $1,188 + services |
| Hidden Fees | Frequent surprise bills | Transparent pricing |
| Doctor-Patient Ratio | 2,500+ patients | 300-800 patients |
*Traditional costs include insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays
Who Benefits Most from Direct Primary Care?
Ideal Candidates for DPC Include:
Individuals with High-Deductible Health Plans
If you have a deductible over $3,000, you’re essentially paying out-of-pocket for most healthcare anyway. DPC provides better value with predictable costs and enhanced access to medical care.
People with Chronic Conditions
Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders require regular monitoring. DPC’s unlimited visits and direct physician access make chronic disease management more effective and convenient.
Busy Professionals and Parents
When your time is valuable, DPC’s same-day appointments, extended hours, and direct communication eliminate healthcare-related stress and scheduling conflicts.
Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
DPC offers cost-effective healthcare for business owners and their employees, often at lower costs than traditional group insurance plans.
Military Families and Veterans
Dr. Zawodniak’s experience at the VA Medical Center gives her unique insight into military family healthcare needs, making AZ Health Solutions particularly well-suited for this community in Brevard County.
Health-Conscious Individuals
If you prioritize preventive medicine and wellness optimization, DPC’s focus on proactive health management aligns perfectly with your goals.
Direct Primary Care Costs: Investment in Your Health
Understanding DPC Pricing
Monthly Membership at AZ Health Solutions: $99 for adults 18+
What’s Included:
- All office visits and consultations
- Annual physical examinations
- Acute illness care and treatment
- Chronic disease management
- Basic procedures (injections, sutures, wound care)
- Care coordination with specialists
- Direct physician communication
- Health coaching and education
Additional Services (at wholesale prices):
- Laboratory tests and blood work
- Imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasounds)
- Specialty medications
- Advanced procedures
- Specialist referrals
Cost Comparison: DPC vs. Traditional Healthcare
Traditional Healthcare Annual Costs (Florida average):
- Insurance premiums: $4,500-$7,200
- Deductible: $2,500-$5,000
- Copays (12 visits): $360-$600
- Total: $7,360-$12,800
AZ Health Solutions DPC:
- Annual membership: $1,188
- No copays or deductibles
- Wholesale lab/medication pricing
- Total: $1,188 + wholesale services
For most patients, DPC represents significant savings while providing superior access and care quality.
Direct Primary Care and Insurance: What You Need to Know
Can You Use DPC with Health Insurance?
Yes! Many patients maintain high-deductible health insurance for catastrophic coverage while using DPC for primary care needs. This combination often provides:
- Lower overall healthcare costs
- Better primary care access
- Protection against major medical expenses
- HSA eligibility for additional savings
DPC is Not Insurance
It’s important to understand that DPC membership is not health insurance. DPC covers primary care services, but you’ll still need insurance or alternative coverage for:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospitalizations
- Specialist procedures
- Major surgeries
- Expensive imaging (MRI, CT scans)
Making DPC Work with Your Financial Plan
Option 1: DPC + High-Deductible Health Plan
- Use DPC for all primary care needs
- Maintain insurance for catastrophic coverage
- Often results in lowest total healthcare costs
Option 2: DPC + Health Sharing Plans
- Combine DPC with faith-based health sharing ministries
- Lower monthly costs than traditional insurance
- Good option for healthy individuals and families
Option 3: DPC as Primary Healthcare
- Self-pay for additional services as needed
- Suitable for healthy individuals with minimal healthcare needs
- Provides maximum healthcare freedom and cost control
Getting Started with Direct Primary Care in Merritt Island
Your First Steps
1. Schedule a Meet & Greet Consultation
Contact AZ Health Solutions at (321) 492-0390 to schedule your no-obligation consultation. During this visit, you’ll:
- Meet Dr. Zawodniak and learn about her approach to care
- Understand exactly what DPC membership includes
- Discuss your specific health needs and goals
- Get answers to all your questions about the DPC model
2. Complete Your Health Assessment
If you decide to join, your first appointment as a member includes:
- Comprehensive 60-minute evaluation
- Complete medical history review
- Personalized care plan development
- Direct contact information for ongoing access
3. Experience the DPC Difference
Start enjoying immediate benefits:
- Same-day access for urgent concerns
- Direct communication with your physician
- Unhurried appointments focused on your needs
- Proactive health optimization and prevention
What to Bring to Your First Visit
- Current medication list
- Recent lab results or medical records
- Insurance information (if maintaining coverage)
- List of health concerns and goals
- Previous medical history summary
Why Choose AZ Health Solutions for Direct Primary Care
Dr. Ashley Zawodniak’s Unique Qualifications
Dual Healthcare Perspective: With backgrounds in both nursing and medicine, Dr. Zawodniak understands healthcare from every angle. This unique perspective ensures you receive comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses both clinical needs and patient experience.
Academic Excellence: As a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and former Assistant Professor of Medicine, Dr. Zawodniak brings cutting-edge medical knowledge while maintaining the personal touch of family medicine.
Military Family Understanding: Her experience at the VA Medical Center provides special insight into military family healthcare needs, making AZ Health Solutions particularly valuable for Brevard County’s significant military community.
Quality Improvement Expertise: Dr. Zawodniak’s background in quality improvement and patient safety ensures that your care meets the highest standards while remaining accessible and personalized.
Hormone Optimization Specialty: Unlike most DPC practices, AZ Health Solutions offers specialized hormone replacement therapy, allowing comprehensive wellness optimization under one roof.
Practice Advantages
- Convenient Location: 300 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island, serving all of Brevard County
- Experienced Team: Supported by Jessica Berry, RN, BSN for comprehensive care
- Technology-Enabled: Secure messaging, telemedicine options, and modern health tracking
- Community-Focused: Committed to serving Space Coast residents with accessible healthcare
- Faith-Informed Approach: Compassionate care honoring whole-person wellness
The Future of Healthcare is Here
Direct primary care represents a return to the fundamental principles of medicine: the healing relationship between doctor and patient. As healthcare costs continue to rise and access becomes more challenging, DPC offers a sustainable solution that benefits both patients and physicians.
In Brevard County, where many residents work in high-stress environments from the space industry to military service, having accessible, personalized healthcare isn’t just convenient – it’s essential for maintaining the health and productivity of our community.
Growing National Trend
The DPC movement continues expanding rapidly:
- 1,300+ DPC practices nationwide as of 2024
- 350,000+ patients enrolled in DPC programs
- 25% annual growth in DPC practice numbers
- Bipartisan political support for DPC-friendly legislation
- Corporate adoption by forward-thinking employers
This growth reflects patients’ desire for healthcare that’s actually about them – not insurance companies, billing departments, or corporate healthcare systems.
Understanding Direct Primary Care and Concierge Medicine
While both direct primary care and concierge medicine offer enhanced access to healthcare providers, there are important differences. Concierge medicine in Merritt Island typically involves higher fees and may still bill insurance, while DPC offers a more affordable, membership-based alternative without insurance hassles.
The direct primary care and concierge medicine models both emphasize the doctor-patient relationship, but DPC’s transparent pricing and unlimited visits make it more accessible to a broader range of patients in Brevard County.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Healthcare
If you’re ready to experience healthcare that’s actually about you – not insurance hassles, rushed appointments, or impersonal care – Direct Primary Care at AZ Health Solutions offers the solution you’ve been seeking.
Join the growing number of Brevard County residents who’ve discovered the freedom, accessibility, and personalized attention that comes with membership-based healthcare.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t wait for the healthcare system to change. Change your healthcare today with Direct Primary Care at AZ Health Solutions – where your health, your time, and your peace of mind come first.
About AZ Health Solutions: Founded by Dr. Ashley Zawodniak in 2024, AZ Health Solutions provides Direct Primary Care and hormone optimization services to residents throughout Brevard County. Located in Merritt Island, we’re committed to delivering compassionate, accessible healthcare that puts patients first. Learn more about our complete care services at azhealthsolutions.net or call (321) 492-0390.
