3 minute read
Aspire Family Medical: Liberty Hill's Personalized Healthcare, Simplified
In a healthcare world often dominated by insurance companies, complicated billing, and rushed appointments, Aspire Family Medical, a direct primary care (DPC) model clinic, offers a refreshing alternative. Led by Kerstin Gillespie, a Doctorate-level Nurse Practitioner, Aspire’s DPC model allows for a patient-first approach, with more time and personalized care without the hurdles of traditional healthcare systems.
WHY DIRECT PRIMARY CARE?
Kerstin’s decision to shift from a traditional insurance-based practice to DPC stemmed from her desire to give patients more time and attention. "In the traditional model, I had to see so many patients a day it felt like I was always rushing," she explains. "It was stressful not being able to know my patients well enough to provide the best care possible."
The DPC model eliminates the middleman — insurance companies — enabling providers to focus directly on patient care. This means more time for each visit and the ability to handle multiple concerns in a single visit. Plus, visit costs are included in your membership. Kerstin will keep a panel of just 500 patients, "Now, I can really get to know my patients and provide holistic care that’s truly personalized," she adds.
WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE
Patients pay a monthly membership fee covering routine visits, including preventive care and minor procedures. Think of it as "Netflix for your healthcare," she explains. "You pay a flat fee, and there are no co-pays or deductibles for regular visits. There are, however, some procedures that do incur a cost, like ingrown toenail removal, and COVID testing."
Membership includes wellness exams, lab work, and seasonal testing like flu or strep tests. Aspire partners with Quest Labs for affordable lab work, and many routine tests are done right in the office. "We draw all labs inhouse, so our patients don’t have to run around to multiple locations. It’s all part of our one-stop-shop approach."
Aspire offers flexible membership options for individuals, families, and even small businesses, making it a practical solution for those with high-deductible insurance plans or those without insurance at all. For patients with insurance, the DPC model can still work. "You can still use your insurance for costly diagnostic scans, prescriptions, specialists, or hospital stays," Kerstin notes. "We focus on providing high-quality primary care, and if you need more specialized care, we’ll help guide you through that process."
A BETTER PATIENT EXPERIENCE
Aspire's patient-centric approach emphasizes easy access and open communication. Members have 24/7 access to their provider or Nurse Practitioner through text, phone, or virtual visits, ensuring they can get the care they need when they need it. "Patients don’t have to jump through hoops to see me," she says. "Whether it’s a same-day appointment or a quick text exchange, I’m here for them."
One benefit of DPC is addressing multiple concerns in one visit. "In a traditional practice, insurance might prevent treating a sore throat and an ingrown toenail in the same visit. With DPC, I can take care of both."
Kerstin is also certified in weight loss management and is passionate about treating individuals with weight concerns respectfully. She believes obesity is a chronic condition often linked to other health issues and offers weight loss management services to address root causes with compassion.
AFFORDABLE, TRANSPARENT CARE
Aspire is not affiliated with insurance companies, but additional costs, such as lab tests or minor procedures, are offered at discounted cash prices. For example, a complete blood count (CBC) is just $10, significantly less than what patients might pay through insurance.
