Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Lyman Wostrel

Dr. Lyman Wostrel has always been driven by a desire to make systems work better—for people, not just institutions. 

Before becoming a physician, he built a successful career as a high-net-worth financial advisor with academic degrees in economics and finance. Later, he transitioned into engineering during the oil boom, working as a wireline engineer in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.

But it was a deeper call—one rooted in faith and service—that led him to medicine.

After earning his MD and completing a year of family medicine residency in one of California’s largest healthcare systems; Dr. Lyman experienced firsthand how the traditional model often left patients feeling rushed, over-treated, or overlooked. That experience inspired him and his wife Dr. Lauren to return to the heart of medicine: time, trust, and preventive care.

Now, as founder of Zion Asher Family Physicians, Dr. Lyman blends his financial and medical expertise to offer affordable, transparent care that puts patients back in control. He is especially passionate about helping working families and small business employees of Southwest Missouri access consistent, preventive care without the burden of insurance bureaucracy.

Beyond the exam room, Dr. Lyman is an advocate for reform in medical education. He has spoken at national conferences and met with lawmakers at the state and federal levels to advance more humane, effective physician training models—ones that prioritize integrity, well-being, and patient-centered care.

Outside of medicine, you’ll find him farming, enjoying time with family, or sharpening his strategic thinking over a good video game.

Why Should I Sign Up for Membership if I Already Have Health Insurance?

You may be wondering: If I already have health insurance, why would I need a membership at Zion Asher Family Physicians? It’s a great question—and one we hear often.

Let’s break it down.

Insurance Was Never Meant to Handle Everyday Healthcare

Traditionally, health insurance was designed to protect individuals and families from catastrophic events—unexpected hospitalizations, surgeries, or severe injuries. Over time, however, insurance plans started to include routine care, but at a cost: more restrictions, less time with your doctor, and rising out-of-pocket expenses.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) works differently. At Zion Asher Family Physicians, we provide high-quality, accessible primary care without involving insurance companies in your day-to-day care.

Insurance Can Limit Your Options—We Don’t

When you use your insurance plan for primary care, you’re required to use in-network doctors and services. That means:

• Your doctor must be in your insurance network.

• Your plan may not cover the medications or labs your doctor recommends.

• Contracts change yearly, so even if you love your provider, you might be forced to switch.

With DPC, you get to keep your doctor—regardless of which insurance company you use for hospital or specialist care. Zion Asher Family Physicians is not contracted with insurance companies, so we work for you, not them.

More Time with Your Doctor, Fewer Barriers to Care

In traditional insurance-based clinics, physicians often care for over 2,000 patients. That means rushed appointments (usually 7–10 minutes), long wait times, and often being seen by someone other than your doctor.

At Zion Asher Family Physicians:

• We limit our panel size to around 500–600 patients per physician.

• You’ll typically spend 30–60 minutes per visit with your actual doctor.

• We know our patients well, so we can often help with just a phone call or secure message.

This kind of relationship-based care helps prevent chronic disease and supports better long-term health.

Affordable Labs and Medications—No Permission Slips Required

Because we’re not billing insurance, we don’t need prior authorizations to order labs or prescribe medications. That means faster care and fewer delays.

We’ve negotiated deeply discounted pricing on:

• Common labs

• Generic medications

• Imaging referrals

In fact, many members pay less out of pocket for labs and prescriptions through us than they would using their insurance.

Need a specialist? No problem—we’ll coordinate referrals, and your specialist can bill your insurance like usual.

Peace of Mind, Even with Insurance

We encourage our members to pair their DPC membership with a high-deductible health insurance plan or health sharing ministry to cover hospitalizations or major medical needs. But here’s the truth: about 90% of your care happens at the primary care level.

When you:

• Have a doctor you trust,

• Can be seen quickly when you're sick,

• Get help managing stress, hormones, weight, or chronic illness…

...you’re investing in better health—and avoiding more serious problems down the road.

The Bottom Line: Insurance is Not the Same as Care

At Zion Asher Family Physicians, we’re redefining what it means to have a personal physician. Our Direct Primary Care model gives you:

• Unrushed visits

• Transparent pricing

• Real relationships with your doctor

• The freedom to make decisions based on health, not billing codes

Insurance is a backup plan.
DPC is your care plan.

Ready to experience the difference? Join our practice today or schedule a free consultation 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 regarding your personal health.

Last Updated: June 28, 2025