Free Market Healthcare for the Win
FAQs
How can I really tell if this office is right for me?
Why not contact us for a free meet and greet - see the office, meet the doctor in person, see if you are comfortable here. No cost at all (but we also can’t provide any medical advice!). Click here to email us and set something up.
Do you take insurance?
Insurance has caused us and our patients too many problems and we provide better care without it. You will find our monthly membership fee worth it for the quality of care we provide. Many patients find they easily make up for their membership fee in the amount we help them to save in co-pays, medications, and staying out of expensive urgent cares.
What does my membership fee cover?
We have a whole page here on our web site to list what you get for that membership fee. Basically you get any appointments you need, without even a copay, as many or as few as required, as well as the ability to reach your doctor easily. Even when you're out of town and need something urgently called in, Dr. Langley is there for you! You get the benefits of Dr. Langley's extensive family medicine training and ability to perform numerous procedures. You get longer appointment times, 30 min to an hour at a time, often scheduled in the next day or two.
What if I have Medicaid or Medicare?
Unfortunately Colorado is one of the few states that restrict DPC doctors from seeing Medicaid patients. We know it is so hard to find a doctor who has open slots for Medicaid patients, and we hate that, and we continue to petition the government to change the law. No luck so far!
Medicare beneficiaries are required to sign a waiver that they will not submit our membership fee to Medicare for reimbursement. But after that, it's the same as any other insurance; sometimes it’s less expensive to get labs, imaging, or medications through our office. Our doctor can always send those orders to other pharmacies and facilities to have them covered by Medicare. You may have to do your own research as to what is the best option for you.
Can I get in and see a doctor today?
We have open appointments, but we are not an urgent care. We specialize in long-term relationships with our patients, rather than one time visits. We like to have your first interaction be a leisurely hour-long appointment to really get into all your medical history, and that's not always possible today.
What payment methods do you accept?
We want to make it easy for you! We accept credit and debit cards, HSA cards (double check with your HR that this is OK!), ACH transfer with no fees at all, also PayPal and Venmo and good old fashioned cash and checks. You have enough to worry about, do whatever works best for you.
Are you going to just load me up on pills for all my issues? I hate pills. Will you let me do things naturally and holistically?
I certainly don’t want to give you medicine that you aren’t going to take. I’m not your mother, and I can’t make you do things you don’t want to do. You are paying me for my opinion on how to be healthier, and that is what I will provide. I am a big fan of taking pills that science has shown make people live longer - double-blinded placebo-controlled studies are the best. I am an even bigger fan of lifestyle changes that often make those pills unnecessary. Let’s talk about what is possible in your life right now to change, and use pills in the meantime to make your health better until you are in a place to make those other changes. I want you to be able to do all the things you want in your life, without your body holding you back. But I’m not going to nag you into taking pills, I’m not even going to make you see me. I am your paid consultant for your health.
How do I get medication refills?
We are easy to reach, so just call or email us. We are often with patients, but check messages frequently throughout the day. Give us a weeks worth of lead time on routine refills, and please respect our time on the weekends and avoid routine refill requests via text or our emergency call line. We can also leave your meds in our convenient lockers and text you with the combination to pick up your medicine, so even if the office is closed you can stop by. The building is unlocked Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 7:00 to 5:00 and closed on Sundays
How much is the membership fee?
After paying $100 to enroll and get you set up with the clinic, you will pay a monthly membership fee based on your age. If you discontinue your membership and want to re-enroll, we will charge you a higher enrollment fee each time, as that is not the best way for our patient-doctor relationship to work. We want to be taking care of you all the time, not on-and-off.
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care means paying your doctor directly, instead of paying an insurance company to pay your doctor. Dr. Langley wants to work for YOU, not the insurance company. When you pay your doctor directly, there is no question of who Dr. Langley is looking out for when making recommendations for your health. This results in a happier doctor with more time to spend with you, and happier patients that get better care.
Can I just sign up for a month, get the care I want, and then discontinue my membership?
We don't recommend it. Having a doctor who you trust is important, as medical emergencies are never expected. We will ask you to sign a contract to stay for at least 30 days, so plan to pay for the enrollment fee and at least 2 months of membership. Once you see how well we take care of you, we hope you'll stay longer. And remember, if you cancel and then re-enroll in the future, the enrollment fee will double every time, or we might not have space for you to enroll at all.
Do I have to pay a membership fee even when I don't use your services that month?
Absolutely. Our low monthly fees only work and hold your space open at our clinic if you pay monthly. You can do the math yourself, but a year with us is less expensive than 3 visits with an urgent care. If you are worried you aren't getting your money's worth, then come in more often! We are happy to have visits to check in, get advice, or for help with more complicated issues like weight loss, anxiety, grief, or depression. There’s always something more we can do to take care of ourselves!
Do you have a military discount?
Thank you for your service! As a veteran and current reservist, Dr. Langley helps the Armed Forces by spending her own time caring for them personally. We did our best to see how we could offer lower prices for veterans, but there are so many populations we want to accommodate and support, we decided to just offer lower prices for everyone. We work very well with Tricare Select, giving you the long appointment times and easy access to your physician that is often missing on base or post, but still able to go to the clinic/MTF to get your medications, labs, imaging, and specialist referrals covered. Check out this video to learn more!
As an IBCLC and a doctor, what services do you offer new moms?
Ask us about our post-partum home visit program; after you have delivered Dr. Langley can visit your house to help with up to 5 visits, to include infant weight checks, lactation assessment, newborn screening lab, postpartum physical for mom, vitals check, counseling and education. A female physician and experienced mother reassuring you in the comfort of your own home in the difficult postpartum period is worth the $500 pricetag for this unrepeatable time in your family’s life.
Why would I want to sign up if I already have health insurance?
We hear over and over again that it's hard to get into see your doctor, that wait times are outrageous, that you only get to mention one or two issues at a time, and then you have to pay another co-pay for another appointment! That's exactly what we got rid of with direct primary care. A lot of our patients have insurance, and choose to get the best of both worlds - great care here, and insurance coverage for high cost items. We even have employers who pay for it to help attract and keep the best employees, and college students who sign up with us especially if they are from out of state.
Do you recommend having health insurance, or is DPC all that I need?
Just like car insurance, the goal of insurance is to never have to use it, but to have it just in case. Our office will not be able to cover a surgery or hospitalization, and those things can get expensive fast. A high deductible insurance plan tends to be less expensive month-to-month, and will help you just in case you have a truly expensive medical situation. Healthshares are also becoming popular as an alternative, and are worth looking into.
Can I get immunizations at your office?
We currently work with Milestone Pediatrics and Vaxcare to offer immunizations at our office when pre-arranged to do so. This means if we haven’t discussed it before the well visit, we won’t have them on hand! But we can set up a future appointment or arrange a visit to a clinic on Woodmen where the fabulous doctors from Milestone Pediatrics can give them. This can be arranged for both adults and kids, and can either use insurance or cash prices. In addition, we love the El Paso County Health Department; we have had great personal experiences getting our own kids’ vaccines there.
What’s this I hear about Walk with a Doc?
Every week we meet to go for a walk with the community. Find out more about why we do this by watching this video or visiting this web site. To get emailed updates of when and where we are meeting, especially during snowy or inclement weather, sign up here.
What paperwork will I need to fill out when I sign up?
We have a simple new patient enrollment agreement. If you are 65 years or older, you’ll need to sign a Medicare agreement. If you need regular controlled medications, there’s another contract for that. You’ll input your health history and preferences when you sign up here through our web site. We try to keep things clear and simple.
Do you take walk-in appointments?
No. The best way to learn about our services is here on our web site. We have a small staff, so all appointments and lab draws need to be scheduled ahead of time.
Do you do pain management?
No. As a family medicine doctor I appreciate the wide variety of ways we can treat pain, and will work to find one that works for you. However, we are not a good option for managing chronic opioids/narcotics.
Do you offer medical marijuana?
Yes, for serious conditions such as those listed on the Colorado State web site, including debilitating medical conditions (such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV, cachexia, persistent muscle spasms, seizures, severe pain or nausea) or disabling medical conditions (such as PTSD or autism). Telemedicine appointments are not adequate for these prescriptions, and you may need additional documentation from specialists or prior providers before consideration.
Can I fill all of my prescriptions in your office?
No. Although we hate waiting at pharmacies as much as the next person, sometimes the least expensive chronic medications come from the pharmacy and so we won’t bother stocking those. We tend to have common antibiotics so you don’t have to wait at the pharmacy when you are sick! And we never have controlled substances on site.
Do you treat ADD/ADHD?
Yes, with a prior diagnosis, but we have none of these medications available on site.
What happens if I need a doctor at night or on the weekend? Or if I’m out of town? Do you cover urgent cares?
If it’s an emergency, call 911 or go to the ER. Otherwise, we are there for you! The best way to get ahold of us for an urgent situation at night is to text the after-hours number, and then call it. On weekends, a text is usually easiest to answer in between taking care of our own kids. Emails are the slowest way for get ahold of us, but are handy for non-urgent concerns. Sometimes it’s good to have a doctor’s opinion on where to go (ER? independent ER? urgent care?), and sometimes with a little more information from your doctor on dangerous signs and symptoms to watch for, you can rest easily knowing that it’s not as urgent as you thought. Dr. Langley can even call some medications across state lines for you. But no other clinics or urgent cares are covered by your membership fee.
Do I really have 24-hour access to my doctor?
You have access to your doctor’s personal cell phone, which doesn’t get answered when she’s in the shower, and might get left behind on a walk around the neighborhood with her kids, and sometimes doesn’t get great service when she goes skiing. Please keep that in mind and watch what time it is for non-urgent situations. Quiet time from 8 pm to 8 am is a good guideline.
Do you see un-immunized kids?
Yes! We encourage vaccines, but if you choose not to get them, we would still rather see your kids for regular health checkups than not! We will still mention them and be open to discussion about immunizations, but respect your choices.
Are there women’s health issues that you can help with? Or do I need a gynecologist?
Dr. Langley can do a lot as a family physician, and she prides herself on keeping very personal physical exams to a minimum - sometimes you can collect a swab yourself for her to evaluate for yeast or bacterial vaginosis. Sometimes an exam is really necessary to evaluate rashes, bumps, or other symptoms. Dr. Langley will do her very best to keep you in charge of sensitive exams, and will talk you through a pap smear to screen for cervical cancer. We can help with other common issues like leaking urine, uncomfortable sex, and breast concerns. You might need a gynecologist eventually, but see us first and maybe we can get things started in the right direction.
I’m gay/transgender/non-binary/homeless/addicted/atheist/paleo/brown/a veteran/ an immigrant/disabled/a survivor/ anything else that sets you apart. Will you see me?
You are so welcome here! We love taking care of EVERYone, all ages and stages, as a family doctor.
What extra out-of-pocket expenses do you have that I'll have to pay for?
The great thing about our clinic is if there’s something extra, we can talk with you about what it will cost. Sometimes when someone else is charging (like for pathology or labs) the prices can change a bit without them notifying us. But we’ll still get you in the ballpark of price for medications, labs, imaging, and pathology review.
How do you try to take care of the environment at your office?
It’s nice when things that cut down our overhead also help the environment! We use re-usable tools and linens whenever possible, with the help of our autoclave and laundry down the hall. We have the option of ceramic coffee cups instead of disposable, and recycle as much as we can.
I really can’t afford your services, but really need a doctor who cares. What can I do?
Reach out to us and let’s see what we can work out. We have an option for donating to other patient’s medical care here.
How does your faith impact the way you operate your practice?
Working as a physician gives us a unique opportunity to act in people’s lives. A doctor’s visit is a a memorable event, even though it’s what a doctor does all day. Sometimes there is hard news to hear, sometimes it’s the worst day of someone’s life. It is an honor to be in this role, and faith encourages us to act with great love and compassion. There are medications that Dr. Langley won’t prescribe, and procedures she won’t participate in, but above all she seeks to love each individual she works with, just the way they are.
What are the benefits of ear piercing at your facility?
We offer ear piercing with a medical grade device done by a physician with a single-use cartridge, and in a clean and safe clinical environment. We charge $97.99 for both ears, including standard medical plastic stud earrings, for members. Additional cost for non members and for numbing topical cream.
How do I care for my new ear piercings?
Do not touch your ears without washing your hands first for 2 weeks. Leave your initial studs in for at least 6 weeks, and once you remove them do not use them again (you can buy new earrings here) - they are a wider diameter of stud meant for establishing new holes, and will likely traumatize the healed skin if you try to re-insert them. Clean them with soap and water or sterile saline twice a day on both side of the ear for the first 10-15 days. Avoid swimming and hot tubs for AT LEAST 48 hr after getting them pierced. Contact us with any concerns for infection, including increased pain, swelling, redness, or discharge.
What are some of your favorite local resources?
-Gun safety for kids - guns are a part of life here in Colorado. Educate your kids on what to do if they see one. This class is easily offered for $300 in other towns, but we have a local class offered on weekends for $25! email samantha2874@hotmail.com for more information
-General health recommendations: ever wondered what you might be due for to stay in your best health? Enter your info here and find out!
-Local car seat inspections- Childrens’ Hospital has a technician trained to show you how to do it right.
-Free preschool - See if your income qualifies you! I was just talking with other local health professionals about the great future things we see from kids who graduate from the Head Start program.
-Kids safety class - who doesn't worry about the safety of their kids, whether they are out of sight for a moment or a few hours, for a movie or at a friend's house; would your child know what to do if someone did something inappropriate? Would they keep the secret an abuser asked them to keep, or tell you right away? We are lucky enough in the Springs to have amazing courses, taught in a safe and comfortable way for all ages, and they never turn away a child for lack of funds.
-Courses on sports medicine and injury avoidance, postpartum health, or preparing to be a parent sound interesting? UCHealth offers all sorts of classes, virtual and in person, free and for a fee!
-Free parenting classes, some in person and some virtual, through Catholic Charities. From childbirth to infant massage to cooking!
-Breastfeeding and worried about medications or a procedure you might need? Check it out!
-My favorite free online exercise videos
-ADD and ADHD resources and also in the Springs, check out these amazing classes for yourself or your child, esp with ADD tendencies!
-Other DPC clinics for family and friends out of town - friends don’t let friends get bad medical care:
