DPC FAQs
Is DPC Insurance?
No, DPC is not insurance. It is a direct payment model for primary care services. You will still want to carry insurance or be a part of a health share plan for specialist visits, hospitalizations, and other medical needs.
Do You File Insurance at all?
No, we do not. We are opted out of all insurances. You may consider filing itemized charges to your insurance on your own for services not directly covered within your membership (labs, medications), however we found that our prices are still SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper and most patients equally enjoy avoiding the hassle of dealing with the insurance company.
Well, why do I even have insurance?
You don’t buy gasoline or an oil change with your car insurance, do you? Save your insurance plan for the expensive things. That’s how insurance was intended. DPC has shown to lower healthcare costs by ~20%!
Fewer claims → Lower premiums
↓ ↑
Lower copays and deductibles
DPC is a win for you, and your employer!
Can employers offer direct primary care memberships to their employees?
Yes. Employers can purchase direct primary care memberships for their employees. The employer can simultaneously switch to a health plan with a higher deductible and fewer services that are covered pre-deductible. This lowers the employer's total costs (for the health plan premium and DPC memberships), while improving employee health (less time away from work, better/faster access to care, etc.). If you are an employer, please contact Dr. Allen directly for more details!
How does a DPC membership affect a HSA?
If you have a DPC membership, you cannot contribute to a health savings account (HSA), even if you also have coverage under an HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Additionally, the IRS does not allow DPC membership fees to be paid with HSA funds.
I have Insurance. Why would I spend money joining a DPC?
You have a cell phone. A Netflix subscription. A church membership. Why not have a healthcare membership to a physician that prioritizes your health so that you can continue to enjoy all of those things?
Can I still join if I have Medicare?
Yes. You need only sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by our office.
I have Medicare. I’m on a fixed income. Why would I spent extra money on DPC?
While potentially more money at first, we hope that by joining Mountain Roots, you will save money overall with more thorough chronic disease management, fewer ER visits and hospitalizations, lower drug costs, and more. Have concerns or questions? Ask Dr. Allen directly!
Are my membership fees tax deductible?
In 2025, North Carolina state income tax laws generally treat DPC membership fees as a qualified medical expense, allowing you to deduct them if you itemize deductions on your state tax return. However, if you also have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) or other insurance, the cost of DPC cannot be counted towards your deductible.
While the IRS views DPC as a "health plan," it hasn't explicitly classified DPC membership fees as a qualified medical expense under Section 213 of the Code. This means that while you can potentially deduct DPC fees as a medical expense, it's not guaranteed and may depend on your specific situation. Please confer with your tax consultant to clarify tax consequences in your particular circumstances.
Practice FAQs
Are there any copays to be seen in person?
No. Your membership fee covers any office visit(s), phone calls, emails, texts, telemedicine visits, etc. you may have.
Are there any additional fees?
The only additional fees that you may encounter would be for labs, medications or supplies for procedures, which are all offered at cost. These will be discussed with you clearly before any service is rendered.
Is there a contract?
No. Your membership is renewed each month until you cancel, and you may cancel at anytime. However, we ask that you kindly give us 30 days notice to ensure a smooth transition to your next practice. Please note that your membership fee will not be prorated if cancelled before your next renewal date. Also, please note that any cancellations over 30 days are subject to an additional re-enrollment fee of $150.
How is membership paid?
Your membership dues are drafted on the 1st of each month through our electronic medical record system, Atlas.MD.
What if I need to have imaging done or see a specialist?
We can still place orders for you to have imaging (that may be negotiated for a cheaper price and/or covered by your insurance) and refer you to the specialist of your choice.
What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home or at my second home?
Yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of our independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Since many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text or webcam, we can still provide many acute diagnoses and management options while you are away. We will even locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.
