FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model where you pay your doctor directly instead of going through insurance. Membership fees are usually monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Because DPC practices care for fewer patients than traditional clinics, you get more time with your provider, same- or next-day appointments.
Do you take any issurance?
No
If I have insurance, can I still see you? Do I need to cancel it?
Absolutely! You’re welcome at Vitalpaths Wellness even if you have insurance in fact, most of our members do. We don’t recommend canceling your insurance, since our membership only covers care provided in our clinic. For hospital visits, surgeries, or emergencies, you’ll still need insurance coverage. Remember, we are not an insurance plan—we’re your partner in everyday primary care.
What about labs, medications, and imaging?
You’re welcome to use your insurance for labs, medications, and imaging. However, we also offer access to wholesale pricing, which is often lower than most insurance copays. You can choose whichever option saves you the most money. Please note that your monthly membership fee does not cover the cost of labs, medications, or imaging.
Do you offer weight loss support?
Yes! We understand that every patient’s weight loss journey is unique, so we’ll work with you one-on-one to find the right approach.
Can you send referrals?
Yes! For all of our patients, we spend more time together than a traditional clinic, which often means we can manage most concerns in-house and help you avoid unnecessary specialist visits. That said, if you ever need a referral for a specific condition, we’re happy to provide one.
Is this concierge medicine?
No. Concierge practices usually charge much higher monthly or annual fees and often bill insurance on top of that think celebrity or pro-athlete doctors. Direct Primary Care (DPC), on the other hand, is designed to be affordable and accessible. Membership costs are much lower, and we don’t bill insurance.
How much does the membership cost?
We charge a one-time enrollment fee of $100 per household, plus the following monthly rates:
Children (under 18): $50/month
Adults (18–65): $100/month
Seniors (65+): $150/month
If I have Medicare, can I see you?
Yes! Beginning in January 2026, we’ll be able to see Medicare patients. Please note that we won’t bill Medicare directly. Memberships will be paid out of pocket by patients.
Is there a minimum membership commitment? How does cancellation work?
Yes. We require a 3-month minimum commitment. After that, you’re free to cancel your membership at any time.
Can I enroll only when I need care and cancel afterward?
We don’t recommend this approach. Because we limit the number of patients we accept, spots may not be available if you decide to cancel and later re-enroll. If you do re-enroll, a new $100 enrollment fee will also apply. Our goal is to provide consistent, ongoing carenot just care when things go wrong.
Do you charge more for pre-existing conditions or complex medical histories?
No. We never charge extra for pre-existing conditions. In fact, patients with complex medical needs often benefit the most from DPC since you’ll have easy access to us and as much time as you need during visits.
Do you offer procedures? Is there an extra charge?
Yes! We perform a variety of in-office procedures, including pap smears, skin biopsies, joint injections, ingrown toenail removal, wart treatment, and abscess drainage. Most procedures are included in your monthly membership fee. If something isn’t covered, we’ll let you know up front because we believe in full price transparency. Please note: if a procedure requires outside lab work (like a pap smear), the lab will bill separately for those costs.
I’m healthy and don’t go to the doctor often. Is DPC still for me?
In most cases, yes patients are often able to use their HSA or FSA for membership fees. However, we recommend checking with your employer or tax advisor to be sure.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay the monthly fee?
Yes! We perform a variety of in-office procedures, including pap smears, skin biopsies, joint injections, ingrown toenail removal, wart treatment, and abscess drainage. Most procedures are included in your monthly membership fee. If something isn’t covered, we’ll let you know up front because we believe in full price transparency. Please note: if a procedure requires outside lab work (like a pap smear), the lab will bill separately for those costs.
What kind of medical care do you provide?
We offer full-spectrum primary care covering patients of all ages and a wide range of health needs. From newborns to seniors, routine checkups to chronic disease management, we’re here for both everyday care and unexpected health concerns. Some of the services we provide include:
Wellness & Preventive Care: Routine checkups, screenings, and healthy lifestyle support
Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, COPD
Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD
Women’s Health: Pap smears, birth control (including IUD & Nexplanon), menopause care
Pediatrics: Newborn care, well child visits, sick visits, minor injuries
Geriatrics: Comprehensive care for older adults
Sexual Health: STI/STD testing & treatment, PrEP, PEP, erectile dysfunction, low libido
LGBTQIA+ Care: Inclusive, affirming care tailored to your needs
Acute Care: Colds, flu, strep, COVID, UTIs, stomach issues, injuries
Dermatology: Skin checks, biopsies, wound care, wart & toenail treatments
Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, sprains, muscle spasms, injuries
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it gives you an idea of the wide range of care we provide.
Do you provide prenatal care or deliver babies?
We can manage uncomplicated pregnancies during the first trimester and then partner with your OB for ongoing care. We do not deliver babies, but we’d love to continue caring for you and your newborn once your baby arrives!
Do you provide vaccines?
Not at this time. We’re happy to help coordinate vaccines for our patients especially children through trusted local resources. This may change in the future as we expand our services.
What happens if the doctor goes on vacation?
We’ll always let you know well in advance so you’ll have plenty of time to schedule visits or refill medications. And unless we tell you otherwise, you’ll still be able to reach us by text, call, or email while we’re away.
Do you offer telehealth visits?
Yes! Your first visit to establish care must be in person, but after that, we’re happy to meet with you by video or phone.
Do you provide mental health care, or will I need a referral to psychiatry?
Yes we provide mental health care for conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. In most cases, we can manage your care directly. For more complex situations, we may refer you to psychiatry, but that’s rarely needed.
How do payments work?
We keep a card on file and automatically draft your membership fee on the 1st or 15th of each month—whichever you choose.
When are you open? Do you accept walk-ins?
We’re open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. We do not accept walk-ins. Appointments are required. New patient appointments typically have a 1–3 month wait, but once you’re an established patient, we can usually see you the same or next day.
Can I see you for a single appointment without a membership?
No, we only see patients through our membership model
Follow Us
7825 Highway 6 North, Ste 106 Houston TX 77095
832-7973-221 | vitalpaths1@gmail.com