Frequently Asked Questions About
Agora Health – Direct Primary Care
Frequently Asked Questions About
Agora Health – Direct Primary Care
Do I need health insurance?
No, you don’t need health insurance to be a member of Agora Health. Your monthly membership fee goes directly to funding the clinic, so we don’t need to rely on health insurance or co-pays.
We DO recommend carrying some health insurance to protect you in the event of medical emergencies that require referral to the ER or hospital and to cover specialist visits and necessary surgeries not falling within the scope of primary care.
Our services are quite effective at keeping you out of the ER and out of the hospital but emergencies do happen and we recommend you maintain some sort of coverage to help you financially cover emergency care.
By pairing direct primary care with a less expensive “High deductible” insurance plan, or some of the newer options becoming available, a membership with Agora Health will save you money every month. And all while providing medical care you can actually use without fear of huge bills.
Should I cancel my health insurance if I become a member at Agora Health – Direct Primary Care
What is direct primary care?
Direct Primary Care is a fundamentally new way of delivering primary healthcare. This new model represents one important component of a cure for the broken healthcare system in this country.
With the direct primary care model, you’ll pay an affordable membership fee directly to Agora Health. This covers all your office visits, allows you to text and call us anytime, gives you access to onsite prescription medications, labs and imaging at negotiated wholesale prices, and provides in-house testing, imaging and procedures at cost – all with no health insurance necessary. When paired with a high deductible insurance plan or some of the newer alternatives, DPC will save you money over standard insurance plans and will provide access to better healthcare at the same time.
Is direct primary care insurance?
No. Direct primary care is not health insurance. Direct primary care does not cover you for needs outside of full spectrum primary care. Our services are quite effective at keeping you out of the ER and out of the hospital but emergencies do happen and we recommend you maintain some sort of coverage to help you financially cover emergency care as described above.
Where are you located?
What are your hours?
We are open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. You can call, text, or email Dr. Pfaffly anytime you need. If you need an appointment quickly or outside of our normal office hours, please call our office. We are happy to make accommodations whenever possible.
How can I contact you?
You can call, text, or email us at any time. We’re happy to respond to any questions about your care, prescriptions, navigating the healthcare system, and more.
How long is the wait?
Do you offer walk-in appointments?
Please call, text, or email us if you have a health concern. We offer same-day and next-day appointments for our members.
If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.
What does my membership fee cover?
Your membership fee covers:
- All appointments, including same-day and next-day appointments
- 24/7 access to talk with your doctor over text, email, or phone
- Many procedures and tests
- Steeply discounted imaging and other procedures
- Low-cost prescriptions
- Assistance navigating the healthcare system
- Referrals to affordable specialists when necessary
- Complementary and alternative care
Are there any other fees for members?
Do you accept all ages?
Yes, we provide care for all ages. Children under 17 need to be enrolled along with a parent or guardian. Currently, medicare patients can not be charged a cash price. We’ll have more information about membership for medicare patients in summer of 2022.
How do I cancel my membership?
What can I expect at my first appointment?
At your first appointment, we’ll learn all about you. We’re interested in your health history, goals, and life in general. Our personalized care means that we’re invested in caring for your body, mind, and soul. We’ll also tell you more about our clinic, introduce ourselves, and let you know everything we have to offer.
You can expect your first appointment to be about an hour. Most of that time will be spent getting acquainted and establishing your health profile. We’ll also discuss any recommendations we have for your health. Towards the end of your appointment, we’ll discuss any follow-ups needed and schedule your next visit. You’ll leave with Dr. Pfaffly’s contact information in case you have any other questions after your visit.
Do you offer company/employee plans?
Yes, we offer discounted rates for businesses looking to offer direct primary care as an employee benefit. Please contact us to discuss a plan that fits your team!
What procedures and exams do you offer in house?
We offer the following services as part of our membership. If you ever need additional care, please ask Dr. Pfaffly. We may be able to provide you with additional procedures at-cost or recommend affordable options for outside procedures and appointments.
Testing
- EKGs
- Ultrasound imaging
- Pap smears & women’s wellness testing
- Blood sugar (blood glucose) testing
- Peak flow measurement
- Pregnancy testing
- Rapid strep, flu, and COVID testing
- Urinalysis
- Microscopy
- Blood draws (phlebotomy) for send out to labs
- Breathing tests (spirometry)
- Skin cancer screening
Preventative & Maintenance Care
- Annual flu shots
- Immunizations
Other Procedures
- Ear wax removal
- IUD removal
- Ultrasound-guided joint injections
- Nebulizer treatments
- Skin tag removal
- Trigger point injections
- Stitches & wound suturing
- Casting & splinting
- Removal of benign lesions
- Skin biopsies and excision
- Abscess drainage & care
- Nail trimming & ingrown nail removal
- Acupuncture (Acudetox)
We’re happy to answer any questions you have! Call our office at or send us an email at.