What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative model of healthcare that bypasses insurance. Patients pay a monthly membership fee and receive full-service, personalized primary care from their provider. Services include preventive exams, chronic care management, and urgent care for minor issues, all delivered with a focus on convenience and quality.

What kind of services are included in the membership?
Your membership covers a range of primary care services, including annual physicals, chronic care management, preventive care, and urgent care for minor emergencies. Telehealth options are also available, making access to care easier than ever.

Do I need insurance to join Homesteady Health?
No, insurance is not required to join! Homesteady Health provides affordable, direct care without the hassle of insurance. Membership offers transparent pricing and eliminates hidden fees, providing comprehensive care in Ithaca and Trumansburg.

Do I still need insurance?
Yes, we recommend maintaining insurance for services outside our scope, such as specialist visits, hospitalizations, or emergencies. A high-deductible plan pairs well with DPC, covering major expenses while your membership takes care of everyday healthcare needs.

How does Homesteady Health help in an emergency?
We provide urgent care for minor injuries, wound care, and stitches, helping you avoid costly ER visits. For serious emergencies, you’ll still need traditional insurance to cover hospitalizations.

Is Homesteady Health right for families?
Yes, we offer family memberships with discounted rates for couples and children. Our licensed nurse practitioner provides comprehensive, compassionate care to meet the needs of your entire family.

Can I still see my specialists?
Of course! While membership fees don’t cover specialist care, we can help coordinate with specialists and often secure lower prices if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost.

Does Homesteady Health offer care for chronic conditions?
Absolutely. We provide personalized treatment plans and chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Our goal is to offer ongoing, tailored care to keep you healthy.

Does Homesteady Health offer annual physicals and preventive care?
Yes, your membership includes regular check-ups, annual physicals, and preventive care services. Our provider will work with you to monitor your health and create a plan to stay on track.

How is lab work handled?
Routine screening labs are included in your membership. Additional tests may involve extra costs, but we can bill insurance or secure discounted rates if you don’t have insurance. Labs are drawn in-office and sent out for analysis.

Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?
Our membership is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. However, these programs can still cover prescriptions and other services outside the DPC model, providing additional savings.

What if I’m not a member? Can I still be seen?
Our services are available to members only. However, we may make exceptions for first-time acute visits on a case-by-case basis.

Do you see children?
Yes! We accept members as young as 3 years old, and children’s memberships are discounted when included in a family plan.

Can I still get care away from home?
Yes! One of the benefits of DPC is that we can continue to provide care, even when you’re traveling or away on vacation, through telehealth or virtual consultations.

How do I cancel my membership?
You can cancel your membership anytime with a 30-day written notice. If you rejoin later, a $200 reenrollment fee may apply, and you’ll need to wait for an opening if there’s a waitlist.

I’m a small business owner. Can Homesteady Health provide care for my employees?
Yes, we offer tailored healthcare plans for small businesses in Ithaca and Trumansburg. Provide your team with affordable, accessible primary care through simple membership options.

What is a nurse practitioner (NP)?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are highly educated, board-certified providers who deliver comprehensive primary care. NPs diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions, including chronic diseases, while emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. They provide a patient-focused approach that blends clinical expertise with personalized care..