FAQs
“What’s DPC?”
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by getting rid of the red tape that restricts traditional practices.
“What is Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care?”
Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care is the only clinic of its kind in Duncan, Oklahoma. We offer a pattern of family healthcare that is immediate, thorough, comprehensive, specific, easily affordable, and very, very personal.
“Is concierge medicine the same as Direct Primary Care?”
The terms are often used interchangeably and essentially refer to the same principles. Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model focused on putting the patient first. That means treating them when they need it, never rushing patients through appointments, and being proactive with healthcare treatment plans. The doctor-patient relationship is just as the name suggests – direct. Direct Primary Care clinics don’t accept insurance; rather they choose to work directly with the patient, providing wholesale labs, deeply discounted prescription prices, and other cost savings along the way.
“What sets Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care 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 nonsense paperwork are lifted through Direct Care, allowing us to spend our time where it really counts: with patients. We have returned family practice medicine to its root values of clinical excellence for and compassionate knowledge of every patient. In every aspect of family healthcare, and custom healthcare, we promise accessibility, convenience, and affordability.
“Will I benefit from Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care if I don’t require frequent medical attention?”
Of course. Everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them and focuses on preventing the need for expensive medical treatments. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health, to 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.
At Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care, we have the gift of time. Even better? We get to give the gift of time. Every visit, for whatever reason, will be easygoing in its absolute thoroughness, relaxed in answering your questions and addressing the need of the moment. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive, intimate knowledge of your health, invaluable understanding available in no other regimen of care.
“Does Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care accept health insurance?”
No. Happily, no. 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. While the tender mercies of an insurance company might apply to the fixing of a damaged fender on your automobile, we see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either 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 payors. 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 Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care, will I still need health insurance?”
Yes. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. We’re happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.
“If I have Medicare, can I still join Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care?”
Yes, there are certain HMO style plans that do not work well with any out-of-network care but all PPO style medical plans that allow us to refer you for specialty care works very well.
“Is my membership to Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care tax deductible?”
Unfortunately, no. Your retainer is not yet defined as a “medical expense” in most states and as such is not deductible. Please confer with your tax consultant to clarify tax consequences in your particular circumstances.
“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 will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay as well as work closely with any specialist. 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 Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care?”
Yes. We are happy to accept the children (birth to 19 years of age). At this time, we are not able to provide routine vaccinations for young children but we will happily work with you to arrange these.
“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 or text your physician afterhours. While we do request that you save after hour calls and texts for emergencies, we try to be available whenever possible.
What is your policy on narcotic pain mediation?
We prescribe narcotic pain medication (opiates) only for conditions that the FDA has approved. This means that we generally don’t use these medications to treat chronic pain unless it is due to cancer. We do not prescribe these medications even if another doctor has prescribed them for you before. We feel that these issues are best handled by pain specialists. We believe there are many other ways to treat chronic pain and are happy to work with you to figure out the best options for you.
What is your view on Antibiotic use?
We prescribe antibiotics only when necessary and educate our patients to help ensure that those medications are used appropriately. For each patient, we specifically design an appropriate treatment regimen and fully explain our rationale. We find that our patients appreciate this information; after all, what they’re seeking is an effective treatment for their symptoms, which may or may not be an antibiotic.
On the other hand, it is important to understand that antibiotics are wholly ineffective against viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, and bronchitis, as well as most coughs and sore throats. What’s more, taking an antibiotic unnecessarily can do more harm than good. For example, excessive antibiotic use can increase your risk of C. diff, a severe infection that can lead to life-threatening diarrhea. Additionally, preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics is in everyone’s best interest; when overused, antibiotic prescriptions can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by getting rid of the red tape that restricts traditional practices.
“What is Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care?”
Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care is the only clinic of its kind in Duncan, Oklahoma. We offer a pattern of family healthcare that is immediate, thorough, comprehensive, specific, easily affordable, and very, very personal.
“Is concierge medicine the same as Direct Primary Care?”
The terms are often used interchangeably and essentially refer to the same principles. Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model focused on putting the patient first. That means treating them when they need it, never rushing patients through appointments, and being proactive with healthcare treatment plans. The doctor-patient relationship is just as the name suggests – direct. Direct Primary Care clinics don’t accept insurance; rather they choose to work directly with the patient, providing wholesale labs, deeply discounted prescription prices, and other cost savings along the way.
“What sets Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care 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 nonsense paperwork are lifted through Direct Care, allowing us to spend our time where it really counts: with patients. We have returned family practice medicine to its root values of clinical excellence for and compassionate knowledge of every patient. In every aspect of family healthcare, and custom healthcare, we promise accessibility, convenience, and affordability.
“Will I benefit from Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care if I don’t require frequent medical attention?”
Of course. Everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them and focuses on preventing the need for expensive medical treatments. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health, to 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.
At Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care, we have the gift of time. Even better? We get to give the gift of time. Every visit, for whatever reason, will be easygoing in its absolute thoroughness, relaxed in answering your questions and addressing the need of the moment. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive, intimate knowledge of your health, invaluable understanding available in no other regimen of care.
“Does Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care accept health insurance?”
No. Happily, no. 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. While the tender mercies of an insurance company might apply to the fixing of a damaged fender on your automobile, we see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either 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 payors. 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 Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care, will I still need health insurance?”
Yes. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. We’re happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.
“If I have Medicare, can I still join Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care?”
Yes, there are certain HMO style plans that do not work well with any out-of-network care but all PPO style medical plans that allow us to refer you for specialty care works very well.
“Is my membership to Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care tax deductible?”
Unfortunately, no. Your retainer is not yet defined as a “medical expense” in most states and as such is not deductible. Please confer with your tax consultant to clarify tax consequences in your particular circumstances.
“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 will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay as well as work closely with any specialist. 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 Fruitful Oaks Direct Primary Care?”
Yes. We are happy to accept the children (birth to 19 years of age). At this time, we are not able to provide routine vaccinations for young children but we will happily work with you to arrange these.
“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 or text your physician afterhours. While we do request that you save after hour calls and texts for emergencies, we try to be available whenever possible.
What is your policy on narcotic pain mediation?
We prescribe narcotic pain medication (opiates) only for conditions that the FDA has approved. This means that we generally don’t use these medications to treat chronic pain unless it is due to cancer. We do not prescribe these medications even if another doctor has prescribed them for you before. We feel that these issues are best handled by pain specialists. We believe there are many other ways to treat chronic pain and are happy to work with you to figure out the best options for you.
What is your view on Antibiotic use?
We prescribe antibiotics only when necessary and educate our patients to help ensure that those medications are used appropriately. For each patient, we specifically design an appropriate treatment regimen and fully explain our rationale. We find that our patients appreciate this information; after all, what they’re seeking is an effective treatment for their symptoms, which may or may not be an antibiotic.
On the other hand, it is important to understand that antibiotics are wholly ineffective against viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, and bronchitis, as well as most coughs and sore throats. What’s more, taking an antibiotic unnecessarily can do more harm than good. For example, excessive antibiotic use can increase your risk of C. diff, a severe infection that can lead to life-threatening diarrhea. Additionally, preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics is in everyone’s best interest; when overused, antibiotic prescriptions can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.