Direct Primary Care Frequently Asked Questions

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Does SFM see patients who are not members?  

We are committed to our current members and are no longer able to see patients on a fee-for-service basis. However, many of our memberships begin with an active health issue! Give us a try for three months and experience the Direct Primary Care difference. 

Does SFM see patients of all ages?

Yes. We see all ages, including infants, children, and elderly. 

Does SFM offer a “Family Plan”?

Yes we do! Please refer to our Pricing Section for more details.

What is NOT included in DPC Membership?

• Services provided by other practitioners, such as a sub-specialist to whom the patient is referred
• Medications purchased elsewhere
• Hospital care, including inpatient admission, rounds (by other doctors), and discharge
• Lab studies done outside the office
• Physical therapy, etc
• Any services rendered by other facilities or by another provider, in the rare event that one of our providers is unavailable.

Does SFM treat chronic behavioral issues?

All of our providers have professional skill in the diagnosis and management of “garden-variety” anxiety and depression. While some family physicians are willing to prescribe potent anti-psychotic and stimulant medications and to engage in a diagnosis of more complex psychiatric conditions, our providers feel that this is beyond the scope of their professional training and is best managed by board-certified Psychiatrists. Our providers are willing to coordinate specialty care with Psychiatrists and to manage medical cares alongside mental health treatment for members of our practice.

Does SFM treat chronic pain conditions?

Our providers do not prescribe narcotic therapy for chronic non-cancer pain. If a patient comes to our practice and is actively prescribed narcotic pain medication by a previous provider, the patient will need to maintain that relationship. Our providers will not assume that prescriptive responsibility for those medications. Our providers have extensive professional knowledge regarding non-narcotic management of chronic pain and will actively work to provide that expertise to our members.

Does SFM prescribe hormonal birth control?

Our providers have experience with natural family planning.  Story Family Medicine does not prescribe hormone-based birth control nor IUDs.  We would be glad to meet with you to explain why.

What happens if I need medical care after office-hours or on the weekend?

Members can reach our providers through our clinic phone number for after-hours urgent needs.  

What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home?

In the age of technology, many conditions can be diagnosed and treated via a simple conversation by phone, email, or video chat. If appropriate, our providers will locate the nearest pharmacy and order medication most suited for your circumstance. If you need to go to the hospital or seek other medical attention while away from home, we can advise you on that as well. 

What about Medicare?

We'd love to care for you. Many of our members have Medicare.  Medicare will NOT pay for your monthly membership. 

What about Medicaid?

We are currently not able to care for new patients that are enrolled in Medicaid.