Optimal Health Direct Primary Care, an independent health care provider, celebrated its recent opening with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony today at its office in Ottsville.
The office, which provides primary care for adults, is part of a small, but growing movement called direct primary care in which doctors charge members a monthly fee for routine visits and do not accept insurance.
For people who do not have insurance or who have high deductibles, direct primary care is seen as a viable option.
“I am able to provide personal, primary care at an affordable price,” said Dr. Tatiana Arolli, an internist and the only physician in the practice.
“I charge a low monthly fee, and in exchange the patient gets unlimited visits, extended appointments from 30 minutes to one hour, minimal to no waiting time, same or next-day sick-visit appointments,” Arolli said.
In-office diagnostics such as electrocardiograms, strep or urine testing are included in the price. Arolli said she dispenses medications at wholesale prices in the office and negotiates prices for imaging and blood work.
“It’s a lot cheaper than going through the insurance companies,” she said
In addition to low costs, Arolli said, patients choose it because they get personal care and get to see the same doctor. She is accessible to her patients and is available by phone, text or for telemedicine visits.
Optimal Direct is available to employers and individuals.
Monthly fees cost $85 per person, $160 per couple. An adult child 18-26 can join a paying member’s plan for an extra $50 a month.
Small businesses with five to nine employees can join for $60 a month per employee. Small business with 10 employees or more can join for $50 a month per employee. Employees’ spouses can join for the same fee.
