We are delighted to welcome new patients to our office. To make your first visit more efficient, we offer downloadable new patient forms that you can complete before your appointment. Additionally, we have a Transfer of Medical Records form available, which allows you to request your records from your previous physician. Forwarding your recent records and laboratory results to our office will ensure that we have comprehensive information to make your first visit informative and productive. We also greatly appreciate referrals from our patients, so please feel free to refer your co-workers, friends, and family members. Your referrals are the highest form of compliment for us!

At our practice, we offer a straightforward monthly fee structure that grants you direct access to your doctor along with significant cost savings on prescription medications, lab testing, x-rays, and imaging. We encourage you to visit our services and membership benefit page for detailed information. To become a member, there is a one-time enrollment fee of $125 per person, with a family maximum of $300. Following that, a fixed monthly fee applies.

Charges for non-covered labs, x-rays and procedures will be added at the time of service and applied to your preferred method of payment (cash, credit card or check).

Happily, no. In our primary care practice, we prioritize our patients' well-being by opting out of insurance payments, sparing them from the arbitrary and intrusive decisions often imposed by third-party payors. By embracing this direct and affordable primary care model, we liberate ourselves from typical contractual agreements that hinder physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications to our patients. This approach allows us to prioritize personalized and accessible healthcare while eliminating the barriers and limitations imposed by traditional insurance systems.

Yes. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account to ensure financial coverage should hospitalization, emergency services, or specialist referrals be necessary.

Yes. We accept and care for children who are five years and older. We ask that children be fully immunized according to North Carolina requirements.

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.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an affordable and innovative approach to medical practice that prioritizes direct access to primary care physicians through a low monthly flat fee. Unlike traditional healthcare models, DPC eliminates the involvement of insurance companies, fostering a stronger doctor-patient relationship. This emerging movement is reshaping the healthcare system, benefiting both physicians and patients, while simultaneously controlling costs and enhancing the quality of care. By eliminating the administrative burdens associated with insurance, physicians can reduce overhead expenses and directly pass on the savings to patients. Additionally, doctors are able to dedicate more time and attention to each individual patient, resulting in a more personalized and comprehensive healthcare experience.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) and concierge medicine are two healthcare models that aim to provide personalized and accessible care to patients. While they have similarities, there are key differences between them. Concierge medicine typically involves a higher annual retainer fee, granting access to enhanced services and amenities, while DPC operates on a more affordable monthly subscription fee, focusing on comprehensive primary care services. Both models prioritize accessibility and convenience, offering extended appointment times and direct communication with physicians, but the specific availability and after-hours access may vary. It's important to research and consult with individual practices to determine which model best suits your healthcare needs and preferences.

Practices that operate under the DPC practice model, like Karrenbauer Integrative Family Medicine, offer patients personalized primary care with membership fees that are much more affordable (typically only $300-1000/year) and do not participate in healthcare insurance plans.

Yes. Physician access is one of the greatest benefits of the direct primary care model.

Although we prefer to try to answer most routine questions and calls during office hours, we realize that illness and injury don’t always occur between regular office hours. You may call, text, or email your physician accordingly.

With our convenient communication options, including web, phone, email, and text, we are always there for you, no matter where you are. We understand the importance of continuity of care, especially when you're away from home. Through these channels, we can efficiently streamline your healthcare, providing diagnosis and treatment for many common illnesses through a simple conversation. In certain situations, we can even connect with you via secure telemedicine web conference sessions. Rest assured that our experienced team will offer valuable advice and prescribe appropriate medications to address your specific circumstances. If the need arises for hospitalization or other medical attention while you're away, we will guide and support you every step of the way. Your well-being is our top priority, even when you're not physically in our office.