Why should I choose Direct Primary Care even if I have insurance?
DPC is membership-based care that works for you, not your insurance company. It's like having your doctor in your corner — available, affordable, and focused on prevention, not just paperwork.
Most DPC patients still use their insurance for big things like hospitalizations or specialists, but they rely on DPC for everyday care, wellness, and peace of mind.
Even if you have insurance, it doesn't cover:
Having a doctor who actually knows you — your story, your stress, your goals
The time it takes to uncover the why, not just treat the what
A doctor who follows up because they care, not because a system flagged it
Meaningful prevention — not just screening tests, but real conversations about habits, risks, and what matters to you
The peace of mind that comes from not being rushed, dismissed, or passed off to someone else
Is Direct Primary Care only for people without insurance?
No — most of our members have insurance. DPC replaces your relationship with a primary care doctor; it doesn't replace your insurance. Most members pair their DPC membership with a high-deductible health plan, catastrophic coverage, or a health sharing plan, and use that coverage for hospitalizations, specialists, and emergencies. DPC covers everything in between: same-day sick visits, checkups, chronic condition management, and direct access to your doctor.
How is DPC different from concierge medicine?
This is a common mix-up, and the difference matters. Concierge medicine typically means paying an extra membership fee on top of your normal insurance billing — you're still billed through insurance for every visit, but you pay an added fee for extra access or amenities. It's often marketed around exclusivity, and the added cost can run into the thousands per month.
Direct Primary Care is different. We don't bill insurance at all — the membership fee replaces insurance billing for primary care entirely, which is what keeps our pricing straightforward and affordable. DPC isn't about exclusivity or luxury add-ons; it's a fundamentally different, simpler way of paying for everyday care. The point isn't a VIP experience — it's a normal doctor's visit without the friction, the rushing, or the middleman plus urgent access after-hours if needed.
Do you accept insurance?
We don't bill insurance — and that's on purpose. By cutting out the middleman, we keep your care simple, affordable, and completely transparent. Many of our patients actually save money because they no longer pay copays, inflated lab fees, or surprise bills. You're always in control of your healthcare and costs.
We can still work with your insurance for: labs (although ours are usually cheaper than your portion even with insurance), imaging (again, you will typically pay more to run it through insurance), specialist visits, hospital stays, and other healthcare needs outside of our office.
Pro tip: Many patients pair their DPC membership with a high-deductible/catastrophic insurance plan or health sharing for emergencies.
Can I use my HSA to pay for DPC?
Yes, as of new federal legislation effective January 1, 2026, patients enrolled in a high-deductible health plan can use tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to pay for DPC membership — up to $150/month for individuals and $300/month for families. If you're paired with a qualifying high-deductible plan, this can make DPC membership effectively tax-advantaged. We recommend confirming the details with your HSA administrator or tax advisor, since eligibility depends on your specific plan.
What's included in DPC membership?
A lot! Membership includes:
Unlimited visits with Dr. Lauren Wostrel and Dr. Lyman Wostrel
Same- or next-day scheduling
Extended appointment times (up to 90 minutes)
Text/phone access to your doctor
Most in-office procedures
Deeply discounted labs, prescriptions, and supplements
Coordination with specialists if needed
See a more complete list on our Services page.
What if I need labs or imaging — do I still pay full price?
No — as a member, you get deeply discounted pricing on labs, and in most cases our cash price for labs is cheaper than what you'd pay out-of-pocket through insurance, even after your insurance discount is applied. For imaging, we coordinate with outside facilities; pricing depends on the specific test, but running it outside of insurance is often less expensive than the insurance-billed price once you account for deductibles and copays.
Do you offer same-day sick visits?
Yes. Same- or next-day appointments are standard for our members, and we also offer telehealth/virtual visits when an in-person visit isn't necessary — so you're not stuck waiting weeks to be seen for something acute.
Do you see kids? Is this a family practice?
Yes. We are trained to see all ages and a wide range of medical conditions, from infants through adults. Many of our members are entire families who see us together, which also means we already know your family's history when something comes up.
What are your hours, and how do I make an appointment?
We are open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm for in-office appointments. We ask patients to call our office to schedule rather than book online, because our staff is trained to listen to what you need and schedule the right amount of time with the doctor — anywhere from 15 minutes for a quick concern up to 90 minutes for something more complex. That way you're never rushed, and the appointment length actually matches what you need. Call us at 417-730-1989 to get on the schedule.
Can I cancel my membership anytime?
Yes. We ask for 30 days' notice to cancel, which gives us time to wrap up any care in progress and process the cancellation properly. Outside of that notice period, there's no long-term contract holding you in.
Can my employer offer Direct Primary Care as a benefit?
Yes. A growing number of the families we see are covered through their employer's benefits, either paired with traditional group insurance or with a health sharing plan. Employers use DPC to give employees faster, more personal access to a doctor while lowering overall healthcare spend. Visit our For Employers page or give us a call to see what this could look like for your team.
How much does DPC membership cost?
Membership pricing is available on our Pricing page. Costs are a flat monthly fee with no copays, no surprise billing, and no insurance paperwork.
What areas do you serve?
We provide Direct Primary Care to families and small businesses in Mount Vernon, Monett, Aurora, Marionville, Miller, Verona, Stotts City, Freistatt, Hoberg, Halltown, and the rest of Southwest Missouri.
Do you see unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children?
Yes, we do. Our practice supports informed decision-making, patient autonomy, and respectful partnerships with families. We recognize that vaccination is a personal decision, and we welcome open, thoughtful conversations about risks, benefits, and concerns.
While we stay up to date on CDC guidelines and provide evidence-based recommendations, we do not dismiss patients or families based on vaccination status. Instead, we work together to create a care plan that reflects your child's needs, your values, and a shared commitment to their long-term health and well-being.