We completely understand your skepticism, but rest assured, Forward Family Medicine is the real deal. To prove it, we invite you to meet Dr. Bigley in person for a complimentary initial meeting to see if Forward Family Medicine is the right fit for you. Our pricing is transparent, and there are no hidden fees or obligations. We're here to redefine your healthcare experience with honesty and integrity.
At Forward Family Medicine, we do not require insurance and do not directly bill any insurance companies. We work exclusively for our patients, not for insurance providers. Operating without insurance restrictions or algorithms allows us to provide you with the highest quality healthcare without compromising on personalized attention. Many of the services we offer may even be cheaper than using your insurance. While insurance is still recommended for emergencies and specialized care, Direct Primary Care combined with a high deductible policy can often provide equivalent coverage at a lower cost. We are happy to discuss how different insurance options pair with our Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice.
While we do not bill Medicare directly, you can still utilize your coverage for medical care received outside of our practice, including tests, labs, and medications ordered by our office. We are not reimbursed by Medicare, but you can still benefit from our personalized care within our practice.
Yes, individuals with Medicaid can see a Direct Primary Care (DPC) doctor. While Medicaid covers a range of medical services, including primary care, patients may choose to supplement their Medicaid coverage with a DPC membership for enhanced access to personalized and comprehensive primary care services. However, it's essential for patients to check with their Medicaid plan to understand any limitations or requirements regarding out-of-network providers or additional healthcare expenses.
At Forward Family Medicine, we prioritize your well-being by opting out of traditional insurance models. This decision allows us to focus solely on you, our valued patient, without the burdensome demands imposed by insurance companies. By sidestepping administrative complexities and invasive requirements, we maintain a more manageable patient panel, ensuring each individual receives the personalized attention they deserve. With a patient panel size of 400-500, compared to the overwhelming caseloads of 2000-3000 in insurance-based practices, we can dedicate ample time to address your concerns during extended visits, facilitated by accessible technology. Our commitment to your care extends beyond convenience; it's about fostering a sense of belonging. We want you to feel like a cherished member of our family, not just another face in a crowded waiting room. By forgoing insurance, we can offer comprehensive care at a lower cost, including access to labs and commonly prescribed medications at significantly reduced prices. While we don't accept insurance directly, your insurance remains vital for specialized services, tests, and procedures, as well as for unforeseen hospitalizations or surgeries. Most insurance plans (except HMOs) cover consultations and procedures ordered by out-of-network providers, with some offering cash pay prices cheaper than insurance co-pays, ensuring you're covered when necessary while benefiting from our patient-centered approach.
Absolutely! We deeply believe in the importance of having some protection for unexpected events, but rest assured, once you've paid the monthly membership fee, you're welcomed into our practice. We're here as a Direct Primary Care practice, dedicated to providing personalized healthcare with genuine care and compassion, rather than operating as an insurance program or company.
High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs): HDHPs are insurance plans with higher deductibles than traditional health insurance plans. Patients with HDHPs can pair their plan with a DPC membership to create a comprehensive healthcare solution. With the longer, more thorough appointments offered by DPC doctors, many specialist visits may not be needed, as the DPC physician can often manage a broader range of health concerns. This combination allows patients to benefit from affordable, accessible primary care through their DPC doctor while still having coverage for major medical expenses, such as hospitalizations, surgeries, and specialist visits, once they meet their deductible.
Health Sharing Ministries: Health sharing ministries, such as Zion Healthshare, operate as organizations where members come together to share medical expenses. Unlike some health sharing ministries that require specific religious beliefs for membership, Zion Healthshare is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds and does not require adherence to particular religious beliefs. Members contribute monthly payments, which are used to cover each other's medical bills. While health sharing ministries typically do not cover routine primary care services, such as those provided by a DPC doctor, they can complement a DPC membership by covering expenses related to catastrophic events or major medical needs. Members of health sharing ministries may still benefit from the personalized and comprehensive care offered by a DPC doctor for their routine healthcare needs while having additional financial support in case of unexpected medical expenses.
In the event of hospitalization, we work closely with your hospital team to facilitate a smooth transition and provide quick follow-up care upon discharge. While our membership doesn't cover services outside our practice (i.e. in the hospital), we prioritize preventive care to minimize the need for hospitalizations.
When you join Forward Family Medicine, you'll have a primary physician who will exclusively oversee your care. You'll only see another doctor in the rare event that your primary physician is unavailable.
There are no long-term contracts or commitments involved. There will not be a registration fee. If you decide to cancel your membership, you're free to do so anytime, although there may be a re-enrollment fee if your membership lapses.
If you get sick on vacation, don't worry – we're here to help. We can work closely with you virtually to manage your symptoms and provide guidance. As long as your condition is safe and doesn't require hospitalization, we'll do our best to take care of you remotely and ensure you get the support you need.
You do not pay an enrollment fee when you sign up. Your monthly membership fee will start in the month when you have your first appointment with us.
We are committed to finding alternative approaches to managing pain and anxiety that don't rely on narcotics or benzodiazepines. We genuinely care about our patients' well-being and will make referrals for pain management or psychiatric evaluation whenever necessary, ensuring that each individual receives the personalized care and support they deserve.
