Frequently Asked Questions
We are open M-F from 9 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. If you have questions or comments call us at (208) 502-2744 during business hours or send us an email anytime
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand introducing a new healthcare system brings up a lot of questions. The following are the most common we hear.
I consider myself a healthy adult, and I don’t need frequent medical attention. Will I still benefit from a Spear membership?
Yes. A membership at Spear Direct Care is great for people looking to both maintain and improve their overall health. We’ll help you move beyond sick care into proactive, integrative healthcare that helps you achieve your unique goals. Your good health means that you’ll very rarely need to seek additional care beyond our clinic, so your flat membership fee will provide a transparent, low-cost way to care for your health. When you do need care, you’ll be able to get it quickly, when you need it, and without any insurance hassle.
What happens if I need to go to another doctor, like a specialist?
Because we offer proactive healthcare and exceptional availability to our members, the chances of needing to see another doctor or having hospital visits are reduced. Primary care though a Spear Direct Care membership typically covers 80-90% of your healthcare needs. Of course, there may be times that specialty care is needed. We recommend traditional health insurance plan or a cost share program to cover those types of visits, tests, hospitalizations, or surgeries. During those times, we will work closely with our trusted specialists to help oversee your care.
Can I use my HSA account to pay for the membership fee, or can it be tax deductible?
No, not at this time. However, HSA can be used for other items such as lab fees and imaging costs.
How does payment work?
Enroll in your choice of simple automatic monthly or annual billing via bank transfer or credit card payment. Any additional costs are invoiced and paid for at the time of service.
What if I’m out of town and need your help?
You can contact Spear Direct Care via phone, text, or video chat, wherever you are. We can help diagnose and treat many conditions virtually, and can help you with prescriptions from nearby pharmacies. If you need an in-person assessment immediately, we can help find resources near your location.
Do I still need health insurance if I have a Spear membership?
At Spear Direct Care, we address the vast majority of your primary healthcare needs. However, there are some services that are not included in the membership. We encourage our clients to combine their Spear Direct Care membership with a high-deductible insurance policy or cost share option to cover in-person specialist visits, advanced imaging, surgeries, and hospital services.
Are there any “no-show” charges?
Yes. If you need to cancel an appointment, please do so at least 4 hours before your appointment time. If you miss your appointment or are excessively late without calling to notify our office, a $25 fee may be charged. Exceptions are granted at our discretion.
Do you provide care to non-members?
No. To maintain availability to our members, we do not provide services to non-members.
Does Spear Direct Care accept health insurance?
Proudly, no. The average medical practice spends up to 40% of their time on insurance paperwork. We invest that time where it really matters: our patients. Direct care eliminates the fee-for-service system. With a flat, transparent monthly fee, you’ll enjoy direct access to your provider and the personalized attention you deserve.
I have Medicare. Can I still become a member of Spear?
No, but legislation is quickly changing. Please contact us to be placed on a waiting list so we can contact you once we can start providing care to Medicare participates.
How do I contact you?
You will have your provider’s direct phone number. You can feel free to call or text during normal business hours, and for more urgent medical matters, after hours. Reach out when you need care–we will be here for you!
What if I have a medical emergency?
In an emergency, call 911. We are a primary care clinic, not an emergency center or urgent care facility. However, if you are NOT having a life-threatening emergency but need urgent advice, please do not hesitate to call us. We ask that our members use discretion when calling after hours, but we are always available.
How is direct primary care different than concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine is still in the insurance market. Patients pay a fee for clinic membership and the provider bills the patient’s insurance company. Another key distinction is that direct primary care is explicitly mentioned in the Affordable Care Act as an acceptable option for receiving medical care without insurance, while concierge medicine is not.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. Transparency is a core value at Spear Direct Care. Most services are covered under the membership fee. If a service or procedure has an additional charge not covered by membership (such as labs or PAP smears), you would be notified at the time of service and would approve the charge before moving forward. The service or procedure would be invoiced and paid for at the time of service.
What if I want to cancel my membership?
You may cancel your membership at any time without penalty. We will simply prorate your monthly fee and return it to you. All medical records will be faxed to your new provider at your request. Please note the membership enrollment fee is non-refundable, and if you would like to rejoin the practice, another enrollment fee may apply.
Services NOT included with Spear Direct Care Membership
For a list of services not included in a Spear Direct Care Membership, click here.
Need A Question Answered?
Check out our FAQ page, call or text us at (208) 502-2744 during business hours, or complete the form below