Our Direct Care Model

What is Direct Patient Care and why did Dr. Abuav choose this model?

This is a modern practice model that Dr. Abuav is passionate about and feels will inspire strong doctor-patient relationships. Dr. Abuav blocks out the bureaucracy that has clouded medical care by opting out of Medicare and discontinuing contracts with private insurance companies.

A direct care model is simple. It is no more complicated than eating at your favorite restaurant. You stop in, get service, and you pay for it. Direct patient care practices operate much the same way. No hidden fees, no surprise bills, no co-pays or insurance cards. Just straightforward medical care when you need it. This is NOT a concierge model. There is NO membership fee.

Direct care models are free market based. In a free market, no one forces people to buy a product, nor does it tell consumers where to buy it or how they must use it. Why should it be different with healthcare? And yet it is different in the traditional medical model.

Direct care models decrease costs by cutting out the overhead that comes with insurance companies and regulations. The cost of your complete office visit is often no more than most people’s PPO co-insurance or specialty office copay, and you know exactly what these costs are before services are rendered.

 

Dr. Abuav DOES believe that medical insurance is beneficial but feels that we have lost sight of the proper place for insurance. Like car, life and disability insurance, the role of medical insurance should be reserved for large, expensive, and catastrophic events- not typical day-to-day care. Could you imagine using your car insurance to pay for gas, oil changes or new tires? The result would be unaffordable car insurance costs, lack of price transparency, over-utilization of services and subsequent insurance control of the care of your vehicle. This is exactly what has transpired in medicine.

The direct care model type of practice model allows Dr. Abuav to spend more quality time face-to-face with patients. There is less time waiting for your appointment. You can often book a same-day or next day appointment, and you will be seen at your appointment time. Your time is valuable, and Dr. Abuav appreciates that.

All patients pay Dr. Abuav directly for their care. Please see “Pricing” for more details on our transparent fees. Health Care Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are accepted forms of payment for medical services. For those with private insurance, upon request, we provide patients with an itemized and coded form and the appropriate out-of-network healthcare reimbursement form to submit to the patient’s insurance company for reimbursement. Not all insurance companies allow reimbursement for services. It is the responsibility of the patient to check with their insurance providers regarding rules regulating reimbursement.

All patients will need to sign a “Private Contract” before being seen for any medical services. For those patients with Medicare, you cannot be reimbursed by Medicare or any supplemental insurance for any services rendered by Dr. Abuav. This, however, does NOT change any of your Medicare benefits in any way and your insurance will remain in full effect for lab, x-ray, hospitalization, and all services provided by doctors who participate with your insurance. This only means that Medicare should not be charged in any way for the services rendered by Dr. Abuav.

Because pathology is not performed in-house, patients may elect to use their insurance (with the exception of Medicare HMOs) to pay for any necessary labs or pathology ordered by Dr. Abuav.
  • You deserve to be seen when you want or need Dr. Abuav. You deserve the option of extended, relaxed visits. Through this model, Dr. Abuav can limit the number of patients she sees every day, making her available for same-day and next-day appointments.

 

  • Use your Flexible Spending Account or Heath Care Savings Account to pay for your care. Or, you may choose to seek insurance reimbursement (through commercial insurance plans). We will be happy to provide you with an itemized superbill upon request. Please note, we do not participate in Medicare and Medi-Cal, and you may not submit a bill for reimbursement.

 

  • Flexibility in lab fees: You have options. You may use your insurance for bloodwork and pathology fees, or we have deeply discounted cash fees. Self-pay, uninsured, and patients with high deductibles benefit most from this flexibility.

 

  • You may schedule appointments online at your convenience. You will choose if the appointment you require is a straightforward appointment or a more comprehensive appointment. Staff are easily accessible via the patient portal or phone to help answer any questions you have regarding scheduling, or if you prefer to schedule by phone, we are here!

 

  • No surprise bills! Payment is due at the time of service, and you will never get a bill from us. Simple! A detailed list of pricing is available on this website, so that you can have a good faith estimate of your charges for the visit. Costs are reduced because we have eliminated third parties and their associated operating expenses. Dr. Abuav has chosen to pass those savings onto her patients.

Testimonials

Isabella and her team have been looking after me for over 10 years, and are without a doubt the best in the industry. They know exactly how to make me feel beautiful, and every visit is a relaxing, fabulous experience.

Lorena Barker

I had an amazing experience at Flair Salon. They nailed what I wanted and showed me how to style my hair at home! I'm so happy and will definitely become a regular client. Thank you guys for making me so beautiful.

Helen Closs

Flair is the best hair and beauty salon in the city, hands down! I've been to many salons, but none of them had the same professionalism and touch as Isabella's team. Highly recommended.

Lilly Brown

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