Direct Primary Care Frequently Asked Questions | Strada Healthcare
Contact

Direct Primary Care Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Strada Healthcare’s Direct Primary Care Membership

Here, we cover the most common questions people have about Strada Healthcare’s Direct Primary Care model. Don’t see your question here? Feel free to contact us–we’re happy to answer any questions you have!

Common Questions for Individuals & Families

What is Strada Healthcare?

Strada Healthcare is one of the largest providers of Direct Primary Care in the Midwest. Direct Primary Care is an innovative, but old-fashioned approach to healthcare that does not involve insurance but instead gives members unlimited access to personal and affordable primary care for a flat monthly rate.

What services does a Strada membership cover?

Our primary care providers can see you for a vast array of services that include but are not limited to:

  • Same to next-day appointments
  • Convenient connectivity to your provider through a HIPAA compliant app
  • Comprehensive Annual Physical and wellness plan
  • Preventative appointments and follow-ups
  • Annual lab work
  • EKG
  • Simple laceration repair including stitches
  • Treatment of sprains
  • Women’s health
  • Well checks for infants and children
  • Acute care and chronic disease management
  • Weight management and health risk assessment
  • School, sports, and workplace physicals
  • Mental health, including treatment for depression, anxiety and other mood disorders
  • Stress management

Do I have to have health insurance to become a patient?

No. Anyone can become an Strada member. We do not deny patients because of their age, race, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, or employment status. We also do not deny anyone for pre-existing conditions of any kind.

Will you bill my insurance plan for your services?

No. Strada Healthcare will not bill insurance for our services. Eliminating this hassle gives our doctors more time to spend with you.

Are there co-pays when I see my Strada provider?

No. When you see your Strada provider, you will never be asked for a co-pay. All primary care services inside our clinics are covered under your membership, and you can visit your provider as often as you need to.

Is there anything Strada doesn’t cover?

Specialist visits, Dental, Vision and Hospital Care are not included in your Strada membership and can be covered by your health insurance policy. Your annual lab work is included in your membership, but any additional labs that you might need we offer at extremely reduced cash prices. To see a list of our cash prices, click here.

How are visits with specialists such as pediatricians and dermatologists handled?

If you need a complex procedure, your Strada provider may refer you to a specialist. However, one of the benefits of direct primary care is the breadth of services that our providers can offer. From pediatrics to simple dermatology, you should be able to get most of your care in one of our clinics without having to go to another doctor or paying a specialist co-pay

What if I must see a specialist or have an emergency?

When your medical needs extend beyond the scope of primary care, your Strada provider will help you choose the specialist who is right for you. We will provide that specialist with relevant portions of your medical record needed to optimize your care. When his or her evaluation is complete, your Strada clinician will coordinate your follow-up care. We act as the quarterback for your care to make sure you get the services you need and don’t fall through the cracks.  It’s like having a doctor in the family.

How is Pharmacy covered under the Strada membership?

Pharmaceuticals are not covered with your membership, but we work with a number of cash-priced pharmacies in the communities surrounding our clinics. Some of them will even deliver to your home or workplace. Talk to your provider for more information on your specific medications.

What about my mammogram or colonoscopy? Do I have to pay cash for those tests?

All screening exams are covered by your insurance as required by law. If you do not have insurance coverage, Strada can provide extremely affordable cash pay options for you.

How are procedures like x-rays, imaging, and laboratory services covered?

Your Strada membership provides you with discounted cash pricing negotiated by the Strada team for x-rays, imaging, and lab services. Because we negotiate the lowest cost for our members, payment is due at the time of service. Every test and service can vary but for reference here are a few examples of the discounts we’ve negotiated for our members:

  • An x-ray on your foot could run about $300 dollars with traditional insurance but with Strada it would cost you $45 at the time of service.
  • If you are diabetic and need to have your blood tested 4 times per year it could cost you $57 per lab which equates to $228 per year. Using the Strada membership your cash cost is $4 per lab and $16 per year.

What if I need physical therapy? Will Strada cover that?

Physical Therapy and Chiropractic services are not included in a Strada Healthcare membership, but are provided at deep discounted prices to our members. We work with a number of cash-priced providers in the communities surrounding our clinics for PT and Chiropractic services. Click here to see a full list of our cash priced partners and view a list of prices.

What if I think I am having a heart attack or a stroke or another emergency?

If you think you are having a heart attack or another emergency, you need to call 911 or go to the closest ER.

Can I go any Strada provider or do I have to pick one?

We require our members to choose a provider upon signing up. We believe that building a trusted relationship with a primary care provider is integral to healthcare. Click HERE to view a list of our current providers.

What is Spruce?

Spruce is a HIPAA compliant app that provides a quick and secure way for you and your Strada team to communicate. You can schedule an appointment, text symptoms or photos, or send a question to your provider. Using this technology allows you to save time and money which could mean not having to miss work or time with family.

Are immunizations covered for my newborn?

Yes, many of the Strada providers have all the immunizations you need to give your children in their office. If you are covered through a traditional insurance plan or have coverage through your employer, all immunizations are required by law to be covered at 100%.

I have insurance. How is paying a membership fee going to save me money?

Many insurance plans have high deductibles and only pay for preventive services after you meet your deductible. With a Strada membership, all primary care services are covered. You don’t need to meet a deductible to have visits with your primary care provider for health coaching, weight management, chronic conditions, or acute issues such as respiratory infections and minor injuries. Since we focus on keeping you well and identifying issues well in advance, we can help to reduce the costs of unexpected illness.

Please note that your Strada membership fee does not cover outside specialty care. We encourage you to check with your insurance carrier to ensure your specialist will be covered by your policy.

Is it a good idea to have medical insurance for serious illness or injury?

You don’t need health insurance for the services you receive from Strada. Because Strada is not insurance, we encourage our members to purchase catastrophic or high deductible insurance to protect against large, unanticipated costs associated with serious illnesses or accidents.

Common Questions for Businesses

Does Strada Healthcare pair with my business if we are self-insured?

Definitely.  Your employees’ healthcare costs are your own when you are self-insured.  With Strada providing personalized and customized primary care to your employees, overall health care expenses go down.

Could I offer this as a stand-alone benefit to my employees?

Yes, we currently work with small businesses who offer this as a benefit to their employees. Please contact your benefits administrator or health insurance broker to learn more about health coverage mandates. 

How does providing Strada to my employees reduce the cost of our current health plan?

By providing a Strada membership to your employees, you can select a higher deductible health plan with a lower premium.  Because so much of your employee’s health care can be provided by a primary care provider with Strada, your healthcare claims will be reduced, resulting in lower costs.

Can I sign my business up anytime, or only during open-enrollment?

You can sign up at any time.  We will work with you and your insurance broker, if you have one, to find the best solution for you and your employees. Strada provides all employee education and seamless enrollment.

Do I need to purchase my employees a traditional health insurance plan to pair with Strada?

We recommend a high deductible health plan to help defray the costs of unexpected medical services and specialist care.