Frequently Asked Questions

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a type of primary care billing and payment arrangement made between patients and medical providers, without sending claims to insurance providers. Patients pay a monthly or annual fee to our office, and can then access the majority of their primary care services as needed, without paying an additional fee at the time of service. At our practice, this membership covers the cost of routine screenings, management of chronic conditions, and acute-care visits. Our clinic also offers additional cost savings for our members on labs, imaging and some medications.

What is My Cullman Doctor?

My Cullman Doctor is Cullman’s first Direct Primary Care practice. We offer a membership-only practice of family healthcare that is accessible, comprehensive, and personal. We describe it as "VIP healthcare, without the VIP price tag".

Is concierge medicine the same as Direct Primary Care?

The terms are often used interchangeably (even sometimes by doctors), but there are some differences. Concierge practices typically charge a higher membership fee, which acts as an access fee to the practice. Patients can then typically expect to pay for visits, procedures and products. Direct primary care practices like My Cullman Doctor are focused on value and try to include as much as possible in the membership package. Our membership includes: regular office visits, physicals, consults, sick care, procedures, injections and direct access to Dr. Rushing.

What sets My Cullman Doctor apart from other practices?

We have cut the red tape of bureaucracy. The restrictions that typically leave physicians in a traditional healthcare setting buried in paperwork are lifted through Direct Primary Care, allowing us to spend our time where it really counts: with patients. In refusing to recognize any interference with the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, we have returned family practice medicine to its root values of clinical excellence for and compassionate knowledge of every patient. In every aspect of our custom healthcare, we promise accessibility, convenience, and affordability.

How will joining My Cullman Doctor save me money?

First, our practice offers savings with how we are able to see you. By offering you the choice between an in-person visit and telehealth, you don't have to worry about taking off work to come in or coming in to get simple questions answered. All communication with your doctor is included in your membership fee, eliminating the "nickel and diming" you might have experienced with a traditional practice. Additionally, many DPC patients are able to drop their expensive “comprehensive” health insurance, and pay for a less expensive high-deductible plan or health share plan. Also, by seeing less patients, we are able to care for 60-80% of your healthcare needs. This means less co-pays for urgent care, specialist care and hospitalization. Finally, by not contracting with insurance companies, we are able to offer you discounted prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications, which are often lower than what your co-pay would be at a traditional practice.

How will joining My Cullman Doctor make me healthier?

The value of DPC extends beyond a great relationship with your doctor and cost savings. When Primary Care Physicians have the time, they are able to handle 60-80% of your healthcare needs. Patients who have access to a Direct Primary Care Physician are healthier and less likely to need specialty care or hospitalization. Studies* show DPC patients experience:

66% fewer specialist visits
65% fewer ER visits
82% fewer surgeries
35% fewer hospitalizations

Will I benefit from My Cullman Doctor membership if I don’t require frequent medical attention?

Of course. We might argue that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health and the enhancements of your daily experience that only physical well-being can bring. We’re here for your reactive needs. But proactive healthcare is important, and we’re here for that, too.

Does My Cullman Doctor accept health insurance?

No, and that’s a good thing. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. We see no reason for any insurer to have a voice in the quality or the cost of your family’s care.

We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payers. Furthermore, this direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.

As a patient of My Cullman Doctor, will I still need health insurance?

We recommend our patients have insurance to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary.

If I have Medicare, can I still join My Cullman Doctor?

Yes. You just need to sign a waiver every two years declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Charges can still be submitted to Medicare for reimbursement for any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by our offices, as usual.

What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?

In providing superb care with unprecedented sorts of access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are required, we are able to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay as well as work closely with any specialist, should they have questions regarding your care. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.

Can children become members of My Cullman Doctor?

We are happy to accept the children (ages 13 to 17 years of age) of our enrolled clients. At this time, we are not able to care for children 12 and younger. We are also not able to provide routine vaccinations but have a referral process to have a local pediatrician provide these for you.

Can I contact my physician after hours? And how?

By all means, yes! Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call your physician any day, at any hour, should an urgent need arise unexpectedly. We will discuss your emergency contact options at your first visit.

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

We can still provide care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of our independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text or webcam. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.

How will I know if Dr. Rushing right for me?

Come get to know him! Schedule a free, unconditional visit to discuss your healthcare needs. It’s the only reasonable way to begin what we trust will be a long, productive, healthy relationship. Get in touch here!

*(2020). Society of Actuaries. Direct Primary Care: Evaluating a New Model of Delivery and Financing.