Question 1

What is Direct Primary Care?

Accepted Answer

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a model of care that puts patients first. Patients have a direct relationship with their physician and pay a monthly membership fee for primary care services with no insurance involvement.  This allows doctors to save patients money by finding the least expensive options and eliminating insurance red tape. The membership model offers easy access to your doctor via video, phone, or email as well as same or next day appointments.

Question 2

What services are provided?

Accepted Answer

General Internal Medicine can provide adult patients with: 
-Chronic disease management like hypertension, diabetes, COPD, asthma, thyroid disorders, mental health, GERD. 
-Complex disease management that involves multiple organ systems like the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. 
-Disease diagnosis
-Urgent care
-Pap smears
-Recommendations for age appropriate cancer screening
-Complex medication management
-simple procedures like incision and drainage, cryotherapy(freezing) of skin lesions, etc..
-EKG, spirometry, ear lavage, lab results review

Question 3

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

We treat all patients regardless of their insurance status.  We do not bill  or use health insurance though.  Dr. Peila focuses on delivering individualized, high quality care to his patients.  It takes time to get to know a patient's healthcare needs and goals and the current insurance based model no longer allows this.

Question 4

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

For existing members, the best ways to make an appointment is to call 406-200-7373,

Question 5

Can I still utilize services offered by the hospital systems in town?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Billings Clinic and Intermountain Health hospitals are still important resources for our patients when needed.  We are working to keep people healthy and out of the hospital, but sometimes advanced specialty services are needed and we will happily work with them to provide you the best care.

Question 6

What if there is an emergency and hospitalization is required?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to keep patients out of the hospital, however, sometimes patients will require a higher level of care.  If you have to go to the emergency room or get admitted to the hospital, we will help coordinate care with the hospital staff to optimize your hospital care and your transition plan from the hospital to home.  Billings Clinic and Intermountain Health both have hospitalists services with providers that specialize in hospital based care.

Question 7

If I have Medicare, can I join?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. However, the monthly membership cost is not covered nor reimbursable by Medicare. We can still order labs, supplies, imaging and medications that can be covered as normal by Medicare.  We can also still refer to specialists that accept Medicare when needed.

Question 8

Is there a commitment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we require a 3 month commitment.

Question 9

Can I cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

We understand that your needs may change.  If you need to cancel, we require 30 day notice. If you sign up for a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual term and decide to cancel, your remaining balance will be refunded.

Question 10

Do you have wait times?

Accepted Answer

No, our patients do not wait for their appointments. We see our patients on time. We offer same-day or next-day appointments for our patients. So, when you're a member, you can have the peace of mind that you'll be seen when you need it.

Question 11

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

There is a monthly membership fee of $145/month.  There are no initiation fees, co-pays or other hidden costs for Dr. Peila's services.

Question 12

How do I get my labs?

Accepted Answer

We can draw your blood right here or send you to your preferred lab.

Cash price can be up to 90% cheaper than insurance based labs. 
For example, hemoglobin A1c, complete metabolic panel, complete blood count, and lipid panel tests are about $4 a piece.  Vitamin D levels are $15 compared to $50- $100 at other labs.

Insurance and Medicare can still be billed for labs if that is your preference.

Question 13

Can I receive care if I am out of town?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We offer virtual visits on the phone or video.  However, some concerns are more complex and may require a physical examination which we will ask you to come in for.  Remember, there is no additional cost for being seen in person.

Question 14

Are there hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No. All urgent and non-urgent visits are included in the membership fees. There are no additional co-pays.  We are always transparent with the pricing for tests that are not included in the membership fees such as labs or medications, .  For example, a knee corticosteroid injection is $15 which covers the cost of the medication and supplies.  If outside services are needed like imaging we try to find you the least expensive option without compromising quality.

Question 15

Can you manage chronic pain?

Accepted Answer

We are not specialized in treating chronic pain. We avoid chronic opiate medications and focus on treating the root of the problem when possible.  There are no opiate medications kept on site.

Question 16

Should I cancel my insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, we still recommend you have insurance for catastrophic events like heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and major trauma.    We can take care of 80 - 90% of what you may need, but we think it is still wise to have some coverage for the remainder of your needs. Plans that pair nicely with DPC are high deductible plans, HSA, and health share co-op plans.

Frequently asked questions