Frequently Asked Questions
What does membership include?
Unlimited standard office and virtual visits, physician messages, annual physicals, chronic care, many common procedures, included SECA scans and a large generic medication benefit.
Do I need insurance to join Highlands DPC?
No. You can join with or without insurance. However, DPC does not pay for hospitalizations, specialists or other outside services; many members keep separate coverage for those needs.
Can I join if I already have insurance?
Absolutely. Many patients have employer insurance, Medicare or other coverage and use Highlands for more accessible, personalized primary care.
What if I have Medicare?
You can join. Highlands does not bill Medicare for membership services. Medicare can still be used for covered outside services, subject to plan rules. Certain HMO/Medicare Advantage referrals may require an in-network PCP.
Do you accept HMO, Medicaid or TRICARE members?
Membership is available regardless of many insurance types; however HMO and some other plan referral rules may require an in-network PCP for specific services outside Highlands. Contact us about your situation.
Can I join if I am healthy?
Yes. Proactive prevention, wellness and an established relationship can be just as valuable when you are feeling well.
Is there a contract or long commitment?
No minimum-term commitment. Membership is monthly, and cancellations require 30 days’ notice.
What if I cancel and come back later?
Re-enrollment is at the practice’s discretion and carries a $175 re-enrollment fee. This helps support a continuous-care membership model rather than short-term episodic enrollment.
How do I pay?
We accept ACH and major credit cards, and can accept HSA/FSA cards when allowed by the applicable rules. Non-ACH payments carry a 3% processing fee; HSA/FSA eligibility depends on current tax rules.
How long are appointments?
Typically around one hour for a new patient and 30 minutes for follow-up appointments.
Can I choose my doctor?
Yes. Patients can generally choose either physician for their care. Our clinical care team also collaborates to provide timely care when availability varies.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Routine appointments are generally available within one to two weeks. For urgent concerns, same- or next-day visits are often available, depending on scheduling and clinical need.
Do you offer telehealth or after-hours care?
Yes, we offer direct messaging and convenient virtual care. Urgent after-hours help is available at physician discretion.
What happens if I travel or spend part of the year elsewhere?
We routinely care for travelers, college students and seasonal residents. When you are away, we can help through virtual visits, messaging and prescription coordination; when you are back in town, you can see us in person.
Do you offer medical weight management?
Yes. Counseling and prescription management are included in primary care. Weight-loss medications themselves may have separate costs.
Can you refer me to a specialist?
Yes. We help coordinate referrals. Visits and procedures with outside specialists are typically billed separately or through your insurance or sharing arrangement.
Can I join DPC+ if I have a pre-existing condition?
Yes, but medical sharing for pre-existing conditions can have waiting periods, annual limits and exceptions. Our advisor can help you review the current Phoenix rules.
Can I use my HSA to pay for my membership?
Yes, eligible patients can use HSA funds for DPC membership expenses, subject to applicable HSA rules and individual circumstances.
Do you promise 24/7 access?
We encourage you to reach out whenever you have a question or concern. For routine or non-urgent issues, we recommend that you contact us and we will respond by the following business day. For urgent questions, you can reach us via text and we will respond as soon as possible. For emergencies, call us by phone, or call 911 if the issue is life-threatening.