WHAT IS HOBBINS MEDICAL?
Hobbins Medical is an innovative Direct Primary Care practice and the solo practice of Patrick Hobbins, D.O. a board-certified family doctor.
DO YOU ACCEPT HEALTH INSURANCE?
No, we do not accept health insurance. We believe that primary care is a predictable event that can be delivered and paid for affordably without insurance.
WHAT IS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE “DPC”?
In DPC, the doctor and patient contract directly together, via a low monthly payment. The healthcare provided is free from the influence, restrictions and red tape imposed by health insurance companies and government sponsored healthcare programs. This gives both the patient and physician a much more active role in healthcare decision making and allows us to explore savings options not available within the insurance model.
IS THIS CONCIERGE MEDICINE?
Hobbins Medical DPC is not a Concierge Practice. “DPC” Practices and Concierge Practices both charge patients either a monthly or annual fee for membership, and both are generally able to cater to patients at a higher level than traditional, insurance-based practices, due to an overall smaller practice size. DPC fees are generally lower than Concierge fees. Concierge practices classically also bill insurance, which requires additional time and often additional staff. At Hobbins Medical, we want the focus to be on patients, and not on paperwork or insurance company reimbursements. We want our services to be affordable to many and a viable option for the uninsured.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE HOBBINS MEDICAL?
When you join Hobbins Medical DPC, it’s like having a doctor in the family. In this practice, you will get to know your doctor, and he will get to know you. Take comfort knowing that Dr. Hobbins has time for you- time to spend with you, time to research and learn more about your unique health situation, and time to dig in on your care. Our aim is to reduce referrals and hospitalizations, and handle as much of your care as possible in-house- saving you time and money. When you have a doctor in the family, you can get that quick question answered. When making a visit does not cost an extra co-payment or deductible fees out of pocket, you are more likely to seek care early when the need arises.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
10220 Wicker Avenue Suite 1A, Saint John, IN 46373
WHY MONTHLY FEES?
One reason for ballooning costs in health care is the lack of transparency in pricing. And, in the traditional practice model, doctors are reimbursed based on the number of patients that come through the door. Both lead to higher prices, and rushed visits. A monthly retainer allows us to commit to the best care of a fewer number of patients. Which means time to be your advocate to find the most affordable tests and medications. And it gives you the ability to visit or call when needed without worrying about additional costs. One monthly cost. No hidden fees. No confusion.
HOW MANY PATIENTS DO YOU CARE FOR?
Rather than the 3,000-4,000+ patient panels of a traditional practice, we plan to cap our number of patients in this practice to around 600-700. Once that number is reached, we will put people on a waiting list and consider adding another provider. We will NOT continue to grow into a large practice.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES FOR MEMBERSHIP?
Click here for fee structure.
DO I HAVE TO BECOME A MEMBER TO USE YOUR SERVICES?
Because Direct Primary Care is all about building an on-going doctor-patient relationship for your best health care, committed membership is required to be a Primary Care Patient. Functional Medicine Consultations, Hormone Replacement Consultations, OMT and DOT examinations are available to non-members.
WHAT SERVICES ARE INCLUDED IN MY MEMBERSHIP?
Many! See "What's Included in the Monthly Membership" on our Home Page.
I’M STILL NOT SURE. CAN WE SIT DOWN AND TALK?
Absolutely! Email Dr. Hobbins at: drhobbins@hobbinsmedical.com or call 219-627-2465 to schedule a free 20-minute meet and greet.
IS HOBBINS MEDICAL HEALTH INSURANCE?
No! So, we highly recommend that you keep health insurance if you sign up with Hobbins Medical. Health insurance is best suited and most affordable when designed to cover the major, catastrophic health surprises.
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE INSURANCE?
You don't need it to join or stay with Hobbins Medical. We offer an excellent, low-cost choice to get good primary care. But we encourage carrying health insurance to help pay for the unusual, expensive stuff.
WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE?
Keep it! Or better yet, switch to a lower-premium, higher-deductible insurance plan. Medical health sharing plans also pair very nicely with DPC practices like ours.
WHAT IF I’M HEALTHY AND NEVER SEE THE DOCTOR?
Good for you! But shouldn’t doctors assist you in maintaining wellness, and not just treating illness? We can talk about lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, sleep, recovery, healthy aging, etc. And should you happen to get sick from eating too many Pierogi at Pierogi Fest, or tweak your back shoveling lake effect snow, we’ll be there for you!
CAN I USE MY HSA TO PAY FOR YOUR MONTHLY FEES?
An official answer to this important question will be handed down no later than 12/22/19. For now, please check with your tax advisor, and learn more here:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-improving-price-quality-transparency-american-healthcare-put-patients-first/
INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT?
Currently, insurance companies do NOT recognize our membership fees as a reimbursable expense.
WHAT IF I NEED TO SEE A SPECIALIST?
We can make referrals to specialists just like any other primary care doctor (unless you have an HMO health plan, which may require a primary care "gatekeeper" to access a specialist). And we'll have the time to confer more in depth with your specialist.
INSURANCE PREMIUMS AND MEMBERSHIP FEES? WHY SHOULD I PAY TWICE FOR A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR?
You are already paying twice! First time — your health insurance premiums. Second time — every purchase you make that is below your health insurance deductible. Employers, individuals, and families are all struggling with skyrocketing insurance premiums. This is causing a trend toward lower-premium, higher-deductible insurance plans. This means that people that carry such plans are essentially self-pay, just like groups that don't carry health insurance. People need value in primary care. They need a way to stretch their healthcare dollar. Direct Primary Care does just that – predictable, low-cost, yet high quality primary care.
IF I HAVE MEDICARE, CAN I STILL JOIN HOBBINS MEDICAL?
YES, we accept patients on Medicare! All members pay a monthly membership fee, regardless of insurance status. Please know that Medicare will not pay for your Hobbins Medical fees. Instead, you could use Medicare like a catastrophic plan -- for expensive procedures, medications, or hospitalizations. Sometimes, Medicare patients end up benefitting the most with our practice because they often see the most savings on their medicines that we can obtain for them at a significant cost reduction. Some adult children who live out of town feel at ease knowing ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ have someone who has the time to really address their needs, including house calls when necessary, and easy availability by email and phone to provide healthcare.
HOW COULD THIS BENEFIT OUR COMPANY?
By providing our services as a benefit to your employees/associates, you can rest assured you are providing them with access to quality care. Prompt appointments, short or no waiting times means getting issues addressed and getting back to work efficiently. While health insurance costs rise, sometimes the need to provide higher deductible plans arises. Providing our services as a benefit helps your workers be able to afford good quality primary care, taking care of issues before they get worse. Sometimes in a competitive market, retaining great employees is a challenge. Adding our care as a benefit can make your workplace a more attractive option to those comparing job opportunities.
IS THERE A COST BENEFIT TO US?
Yes. Employers have seen their overall health insurance costs go down, by pairing high deductible plans with a DPC practice like us. Every situation is unique, and this is no guarantee it will happen in every case, but we have some specific examples we can share with you. Call 219-627-2465 or email drhobbins@hobbinsmedical.com for more information.
IS THIS OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE?
No. We are happy to make site visits for educational talks to your associates about health issues facing them, and we will be very accessible to you as well as your employees. But occupational medicine is not our focus, and sometimes a perceived or real conflict of interest can arise. If this is a concern or you have a question about this, give us a call and we can talk further.
IS THERE A COMPANY TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE FOR THIS TO WORK?
No. This can and does work with any size. But large companies often seem to have more options. We are hoping to focus on helping smaller companies meet the health care needs of their associates.
WHAT IF I'M HOSPITALIZED?
We refer and work with all area hospitals. Dr. Hobbins has adult In-Patient admitting privileges at Community Hospital in Munster, and hope to add pediatric/newborn privileges in the future. Should you be hospitalized at another institution, we are committed to staying updated on your situation and will see you quickly after discharge to stay on track with your care.
WHAT IS YOUR PRIVACY POLICY?
Hobbins Medical will not share any of your information with a 3rd party unless you specifically ask us to do so, and sign your name to a request.
WHAT IF I'M TRAVELING?
Different conditions may be diagnosed and treated via a simple conversation by phone or webcam. If appropriate, Hobbins Medical will help you locate the closest pharmacy and order the medication you need. If you need to go to the hospital or seek other medical attention while away from home, we can advise you on that as well.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?
Monday 9-5, Tuesday 12-7, Wednesday 9-5, Thursday 7-12, Friday 9-3
HOW DO I REACH YOU AFTER HOURS?
Members will be given a private, direct phone line to reach Dr. Hobbins for urgent/emergent after hours medical questions.
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
Yes! We can always offer same or next-day appointments to our members with urgent needs. Walk-in’s without a previously scheduled appointment are discouraged.
PRESCRIPTIONS & LABS?
Charges for discounted prescriptions and labs are paid at the time of service. Monthly membership fees are billed on the 1st of the month.
HOW LONG IS MY CONTRACT?
Memberships are auto-renewed monthly and can be cancelled at any time, there is no long-term obligation. A minimum of the first month of membership and a registration fee is paid upfront and are non-refundable. Once your monthly membership is paid for any given month, it is also non-refundable, but we will gladly cancel for the following month upon notice.
CAN I JOIN AFTER CANCELLING?
If you decide to leave us for any reason, you may request to join again. Your membership may be re-activated at Dr. Hobbins’ discretion if there is space for additional patients to be added at the time of the request to rejoin. In addition, there is a re-enrollment fee of $300 per person, $400 per family before your membership is activated again.
HEALTH RESTRICTIONS?
No, we do NOT have any health restrictions to become a member. Our fees are the same regardless of insurance arrangement, level of health or utilization of our services.