Frequently Asked Questions

Blue Ocean Health is a DPC practice in Jenkintown, PA. We offer high-quality, comprehensive medical care for all ages by combining our passions for people, medicine, and lifestyle changes.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a one-on-one relationship between you and your doctor. You may be used to traditional fee-for-service models with high copays, unpredictable charges, and rushed appointments. In DPC, members pay a monthly fee (like a gym membership) for direct access and communication with their doctor. There is full transparency regarding pricing. There are no copays. Visits are relaxed and welcoming.

No. Blue Ocean Health is an affordable, membership-based primary care practice.

DPC is similar to Concierge Medicine, however, there are important differences between the two. Concierge practices tend to charge very expensive fees that are unaffordable to most patients and families. They also charge insurance for each visit. In addition to having a copay, this means you are billed for their services and your insurance is also billed. Your medical records, including your conditions, medications, sexual history, alcohol or drug habits and treatment, etc. are all released to insurance companies. Lastly, the addition of a third party such as insurance affects the relationship with your doctor.

DPC offers affordable alternative memberships and does not bill insurance. Our doctors choose to only work with patients which allows them to provide exceptional care. This means that the only thing that matters to DPC doctors is YOU, the patient. DPC doctors do not have to worry about prior authorizations for medicines or tests and do not have to please third-party payors. You can feel comfortable confiding in your doctor and your medical records remain private unless you provide permission or there is a legal obligation.

Absolutely! In fact, it may be the best time to join when you are healthy. With a focus on preventative and lifestyle medicine, we provide custom healthcare tailored to your needs. Rather than waiting to see your doctor when you have an emergency or when you are sick, our proactive approach is designed to maintain and even enhance your health.

You are not required to have health insurance to have a Blue Ocean Health membership. We recommend that patients maintain their current insurance or switch to a high deductible plan for emergencies, hospitalizations, and specialist care.

'Good' insurance is debatable. Medical costs can ruin finances. In 2019, the average deductible was almost $5,000. This means insured patients paid nearly $5,000 out of pocket before insurance covered medical expenses or prescriptions. A Blue Ocean Health membership is a fraction of the cost, includes most healthcare services, and offers major savings on medications, lab work, and diagnostic testing. Savings are even higher when combined with a high deductible/low premium plan. Does your insurance know you personally? Do they have an intimate understanding of your healthcare needs? Are they readily available for you?

Blue Ocean Health does not accept or bill your insurance. We maintain the integrity of the patient-physician relationship by working directly with you, and only you. You may still use your insurance for labs, imaging, or medications but many patients prefer to pay directly for our negotiated discounts.

Yes. However, neither you nor Blue Ocean Health bills Medicare for your membership or other services provided. You may still use Medicare for labs, medications, imaging, specialist care, etc. outside of our practice.

No. Our goal is to establish long-term relationships which ultimately help us provide superb medical care. We encourage you to schedule a meet and greet to determine if Blue Ocean Health is right for you.

Medical services not listed in the patient agreement are not included.

Medical care given by providers outside of Blue Ocean Health is not covered.

Medications, labs, and imaging are offered at discount prices when able.

Vaccines are not currently included but we hope to provide them in the future. Vaccines may be obtained from your local pharmacy or health department.

Yes. Our current evening hours are Monday evening from 5p-8p.

We are available after hours by phone for urgent matters and via email and text for non-urgent matters. You can normally expect a reply via text or email within 24 hours if you choose to communicate that way. We do have office hours and ask you to contact us during working hours with questions that are less than urgent. If deemed appropriate at the discretion of the physician, we will often be able to see you on weekends and evenings in the rare event your medical concern cannot wait until the next business day.

We maintain the highest standards of privacy. Your medical records are never shared with insurance carriers, pharmaceutical companies, or any third party unless you specifically request us to do so or in the rare instance that we are required by law. However, we will make every effort to inform you of this ahead of time.

Please reach out to schedule a complimentary meet and greet. The purpose is to get to know you and answer any questions you may have. We hope it is the beginning of a long and trustworthy relationship on your healthcare journey. Get in touch here!