The Real Benefits of Having a Doctor You Can Text

Modern Access to Care—Without the Red Tape

Imagine having a question about your medication, a new rash, or a lingering cold—and being able to reach your doctor directly. No waiting on hold. No repeating your story to multiple people.

At Zion Asher Family Physicians, this is a core part of how we care for our members.

As a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, we provide secure, direct access to your doctor, including messaging during office hours and urgent call access after hours. It’s a smarter, more respectful way to practice medicine—for both patients and physicians.

Texting During Office Hours: Quick Answers, Less Hassle

We offer a secure way for patients to message their doctor directly with non-urgent concerns during office hours. Most messages are returned within about 4 hours—often much sooner.

This is perfect for:

• Medication questions

• Minor symptom updates

• Follow-up needs

• Quick clarifications between visits

No need to take time off work, wait days for an appointment, or worry about a new charge just to ask a simple question.

After-Hours Access for Urgent Needs

For urgent issues after hours, we ask that members call instead of texting. Calling ensures a faster response and helps us prioritize time-sensitive concerns appropriately.

Examples of when to call after hours:

• High fever

• Possible infection

• Acute injury

• Worsening symptoms that can’t wait for morning

This balanced system allows us to be accessible without burning out, and it ensures that your doctor is truly available when it matters most.

Avoiding Unnecessary Appointments (and Bills)

Many questions don’t require an in-person visit—but would result in one if you had to go through the traditional insurance-based system.

Being able to message your doctor helps:

• Avoid ER visits for non-emergencies

• Prevent unnecessary urgent care trips

• Save money on co-pays and time off work

And since our membership is a flat monthly fee, you’re never charged extra for reaching out.

Better Care for Chronic and Preventive Needs

Whether you're managing thyroid disease, blood pressure, hormones, or just trying to stay on track with your health goals, small questions can lead to big wins. When you can check in easily, we can keep your care plan moving forward without delays.

Real Access = Real Relationships

The old way of practicing medicine—rushed visits, long waits, impersonal portals—wasn’t working.
Direct Primary Care rebuilds trust by giving patients a real connection to their physician.

You’ll still have full visits when needed, but you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing your doctor is just a message or call away.

The Zion Asher Difference

We’re committed to:

• Same-day or next-day visits when needed

• Secure messaging with clear boundaries and timely replies

• After-hours urgent care access by phone

• Flat-fee pricing so you never hesitate to reach out

This isn’t concierge medicine for the wealthy. It’s affordable, modern care that puts patients first—and insurance bureaucracy last.

Interested in a better kind of care?

Join Zion Asher Family Physicians or contact us to learn more.

⚖️ Medical Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a patient-provider relationship. Always consult with a licensed physician for any health concerns.

Last Update:

Can You Get Ahead Of Allergy Symptoms?

Yes—and Here’s How to Start Feeling Better Before the Season Hits

For millions of people, the arrival of spring (or fall) is bittersweet. The weather is beautiful. The skies are clearer. But if you suffer from seasonal allergies, those first warm breezes come with a price:

• Stuffy, runny nose

• Itchy or watery eyes

• Sneezing

• Brain fog and fatigue

If that sounds familiar, here’s the good news: you don’t have to suffer through it.

At Zion Asher Family Physicians, we help our members not only manage their allergy symptoms—we help them get ahead of them.

✅ Free Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms Before They Start

Even before medications or testing, these simple steps can make a big difference:

1. Start your allergy medications early.
The best time to start a nasal spray or antihistamine is 2–3 weeks before allergy season hits—not after you’re already miserable.

2. Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors.
Pollen sticks to hair, clothes, and skin. Rinsing off keeps it from entering your home or settling on your pillow.

3. Keep windows closed and run your AC.
This helps keep pollen levels lower indoors, especially during peak pollen hours (5–10 AM and early evening).

4. Use a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom.
Clean air while you sleep helps reduce symptoms and supports better rest.

5. Avoid outdoor yardwork on high pollen days.
If you must mow or rake, wear a mask and glasses to reduce direct contact with allergens.

When Free Tips Aren’t Enough: Your Treatment Options

For many people, basic prevention helps, but some need a stronger approach to enjoy the season again. That’s where we come in.

💊 1. Prescription Medications at Wholesale Cost

We offer a range of effective, non-drowsy antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops—often for less than retail or pharmacy prices, even for over-the-counter brands.

If you struggle to remember to take your meds daily, we can help find the most convenient and effective regimen for your lifestyle.

💉 2. Allergy Injections (Traditional Shots)

If you prefer injections, we offer those too:

• Given every 3 months, or more often as needed

• Only the cost of the injection is billed—visits are included in your membership

• Effective for those who don’t respond well to oral or topical medications

📌 3. Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops)

This is a long-term solution we offer to our members.

• It starts with a simple blood test to identify your specific allergens

• A compounding pharmacy creates customized drops you take under the tongue—no shots!

• Doses are increased every 90 days over 2–3 years

• The goal: train your body to stop overreacting to pollen and other triggers

This method has the highest upfront cost, but for many, it results in lasting freedom from severe allergies—and fewer medications down the road.

🦠 4. Probiotics to Support Immune Balance

Did you know your gut health plays a role in your immune system’s response to allergens?
Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may reduce allergy symptoms.

While not a cure, probiotics can be a useful complement to other allergy treatments—and support digestion, immunity, and inflammation overall.

Breathe Easier—Literally

You don’t have to dread allergy season. Whether you're seeking natural options, permanent relief, or just someone who listens, Zion Asher Family Physicians is here to help you take control—before your symptoms take over.

✅ Want to know which option is right for you?

Contact us or schedule a visit today and let’s create your allergy relief plan—before the season hits.

⚖️ Medical Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a patient-provider relationship. Always consult with a licensed physician regarding your personal health.

Last Updated: June 29, 2025

Why does Zion Asher Family Physicians not accept insurance?

The short answer?
Insurance complicates everything—and makes healthcare more expensive and less personal.

Let us explain.

Health Insurance Was Meant for the Big Stuff

Think of health insurance like car insurance. You don’t expect your auto policy to pay for oil changes or brake pads. You use it when something major happens—like an accident or a natural disaster.

Health insurance was originally designed the same way:
To protect you from catastrophic costs, like surgery or hospitalization.

But over time, insurance began covering routine care like doctor visits, labs, and basic medications. While that sounds helpful on the surface, it actually introduced a mountain of paperwork, billing codes, and middlemen—and those layers drive up the cost of care for everyone.

How Insurance Interferes with Your Care

When a clinic accepts insurance, the doctor has to:

• Meet insurance company requirements before ordering labs, imaging, or meds

• Follow "approved" treatment plans—even when they aren't the best option

• See more patients in less time just to stay financially afloat

• Hire extra staff just to handle billing, prior authorizations, and denials

This results in:

• Short visits (often under 15 minutes)

• Delayed care because of paperwork

• Less time for listening, problem-solving, and prevention

And worst of all? You’re still paying more, even with insurance. A year’s membership for an individual is usually less than $1,500, compared to the average annual cost of $8,951 for a single coverage health insurance premium—or $25,572 for family coverage—according to the 2024 Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey.

Why We Don’t Accept Insurance—and What You Get Instead

At Zion Asher Family Physicians, we’ve opted out of the insurance treadmill so we can provide care that actually works—for you.

By not billing insurance, we can offer:

• Same-day or next-day visits

• Longer appointments (30–60 minutes, not 10), if needed

• Transparent pricing—no surprise bills or hidden fees

• Virtual care when you need it

• Affordable labs, medications, and procedures—often cheaper than using insurance

Because we work directly for you—not the insurance company—we can focus on what actually helps you feel better and stay healthy.

Real Care, Not Red Tape

We believe healthcare should be simple, honest, and focused on your needs—not insurance company profits.

Our Direct Primary Care model restores that simplicity. You pay a flat monthly membership for unlimited access to care, and we take care of the rest.

No billing games.
No delays.
Just care that puts you first.

Curious what this looks like in real life? Learn how we’re helping local families and businesses thrive with better care.

⚖️ Medical Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a patient-provider relationship. Always consult with a licensed physician regarding your personal health.

Last Updated: June 29, 2025