Frequently Asked Questions

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based model of primary care in which patients pay a simple monthly fee — with no insurance middleman — in exchange for direct, unlimited access to their physician. No copays, no surprise bills, no waiting weeks for an appointment. At Aspen Health, that model goes one step further. Rather than a practice built around managing problems after they arise, we're built around helping you avoid them in the first place. Your membership gives you access to a physician who knows you — not your chart, not your insurance code — and who has the time to actually dig into the lifestyle factors driving your health: what you eat, how you move, how you sleep, and how you manage stress. Think of it less like a traditional doctor's office and more like having a physician in your corner who is focused on where your health is going, not just where it's been.

Why a monthly membership model?

Real, lasting health change doesn't happen in a single appointment. Habits, chronic conditions, and lifestyle patterns take time to shift — and the support you receive along the way makes all the difference. A membership model removes the friction: no per-visit charges, no reason to delay reaching out, no barriers between you and your physician. Your health stays top of mind without you having to constantly choose to prioritize it. All you have to do is show up.

What if I don't live near the Aspen Health office location?

Telemedicine visits via secure video are available for patients in NJ, PA, NY, NC, CA, WA, TX, and FL. For the best care, however, at least once yearly in-person visits are strongly encouraged. If you live outside the listed states, all appointments must be in-person. Patients living outside the United States are welcome and may use telemedicine for their visits.

What is included in the Aspen Health membership?

All memberships include unlimited appointments, direct secure messaging with your doctor, and access to tools and resources to support your health goals. An onboarding fee of $300 is required to join any plan and includes your initial 60-minute appointment. Plans are as follows:

Core — $100/month (Ages 21+)

30-minute appointments

One-time complimentary intro health coaching session

Premium — $150/month (Ages 6+)

30-minute AND 60-minute appointments

Free in-office rapid testing

Monthly health coaching services (coming soon)

Discounts to local businesses, specialized tests, nutraceuticals, meals, meal planning app, and more (coming soon)

Youth — $50/month (Ages 6–20)

30-minute appointments

One-time complimentary intro health coaching session $300/month family cap

What is not included in the Aspen Health membership?

Laboratory testing and imaging costs*

Prescription medications*

Supplements, nutraceuticals, and medical foods*

*Access to discounts are, however, available to members

Are there any other fees?

Initial onboarding fee of $300

Health Coach 30-min session $100 (Core and Youth Plans only)

In-office rapid testing $25 (Core and Youth Plans only)

Do you offer any special discounts?

Yes! There is a combined family monthly membership fee cap of $300 that applies to immediate family members living in the same household

What about health insurance and health savings accounts (HSA)?

Aspen Health does not participate in any health insurance plan and has opted out of Medicare and Medicaid. If you have out-of-network benefits, some services may be partially reimbursable — we can provide documentation to help you submit claims on your own. HSA and FSA funds are generally eligible for use toward membership fees. Aspen Health is not a replacement for health insurance. We recommend maintaining coverage for emergencies and specialty care. That said, if you're sitting on a high deductible anyway, we'd argue there's no better place to put those dollars than into a practice that's actively working to keep you out of the hospital in the first place.

Do you offer next-day visits?

Next-day appointments are generally available most days, but one of the biggest advantages of the DPC model is that you don't always need one. Direct secure messaging with the doctor means most simple, non-urgent questions and follow-ups can be handled quickly without an appointment. Your doctor will typically respond within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours. For true emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What treatments do you prescribe?

Treatment at Aspen Health starts with lifestyle — because for most people, that's where the greatest leverage is. Common approaches include dietary optimization, movement and exercise prescription, sleep optimization, stress management strategies, fasting and fasting-mimicking protocols, nutraceuticals and supplements, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), and prescription medications when clinically indicated.

What if I change my mind?

Cancellation and Return Policy

You may cancel your membership at any time by messaging the doctor or office staff directly or raising it at a visit. However, membership requires a minimum 3-month commitment; early cancellation requires payment of any remaining balance within that period.

If after cancelling, you wish to rejoin, a re-onboarding fee of $300 will apply.

Plan changes from Core or Youth to Premium are permitted at any time upon request. Plan changes from Premium to a different plan requires a one year committment.