Beginning January 2, Grand View Health will launch an innovative new approach to primary care, called Direct Primary Care (DPC). Led by Diana Harrison, DNP, the first DPC office location will be situated in Upper Montgomery County, PA.
Direct Primary Care provides improved access to highly personalized care. Patients receive an initial hour-long complete health assessment and create a personal health plan. Harrison acts as a coach and is also available to manage day-to-day health problems.
One of the unique advantages of Grand View Health Direct Primary Care is its membership feature. The program is sponsored by employer-partners, who pay a monthly membership fee on the employee’s behalf. No insurance is involved, and there are no co-pays.
“The DPC care model is rooted in the patient experience, emphasizing one-to-one communication by providing additional time during visits, immediate access to appointments, and two-way communication through a dedicated communication app called Spruce,” says Harrison. “This unique concept benefits employers and employees in a multitude of ways. Patients will not be charged for their visit or services including onsite lab draws, point-of-care testing and for many illnesses or conditions, we will also have an in-house pharmacy stocked for prescribed medications,” she adds.
Grand View Health Direct Primary Care also provides access to the electronic health record system, annual physicals, preventative screenings, medically necessary referrals to specialists and more.
“Our primary care practices are the backbone of our health system and will continue to operate and serve their patients as usual” says Keith Hammerschmidt, VP Strategy, Grand View Health. “This service provides employers with an alternative means for managing health care costs while assuring quality care from a trusted local primary care provider. We are creating a new type of “medical home” for employers and their employees.”
Several employers in the region have partnered with Grand View Health and will be offering Direct Primary Care to their employees starting January 2025.