Command Family Medicine Celebrates 10 Years of Direct Primary Care

Since first opening its doors in 2015, Command Family Medicine has redefined primary care in the Ozarks.

Dr. Luke Van Kirk founded this direct primary care (DPC) practice after experiencing the hassles of hospital-based care during his residency in 2012. By taking insurance claims out of the equation, the DPC model lowers costs and improves the overall patient experience. DPC also offers an attractive option for businesses looking for affordable health benefits for employees.

Today, Command Family Medicine serves patients at its clinics in Springfield and Branson.

Removing Barriers to Primary Care
Dr. Luke recalls not having enough time to engage with patients, answer questions and explain treatment options when he worked in a hospital system. He noticed how insurance often presented a barrier to primary care. Command Family Medicine was born out of that frustration.

DPC differs from traditional, hospital-based care in that it doesn’t require an insurance claim for patients to receive a routine physical or preventative screening. The result is easier scheduling, more face-to-face time between doctors and patients, faster test results and affordable membership rates. At Command, patients can also text or email questions to their provider at any time between appointments.
Another key benefit is wholesale prices on prescriptions, which can save patients up to 80% to 90%.

Reimagining the Role of Health Insurance
Dr. Luke compares health insurance to home or automotive policies: You don’t need to file a claim to make minor home repairs or to get your oil changed. You only need it in case of an emergency, such as hail damage or a traffic accident.

He envisions a similar model for healthcare and encourages patients to purchase insurance for major medical and long-term care expenses. By maintaining contact with providers at Cox, Mercy and independent practices throughout the region, Command is able to refer patients who need services beyond primary care.

Healthcare Savings for Employers
About half of Command’s patients have employers who offer DPC membership as a benefit. As healthcare costs and insurance premiums continue to rise, more businesses are looking for innovative ways to provide the care employees need while maintaining profitability.

Dr. Luke notes that organizations who don’t offer DPC benefits pay higher gross claims than those who do. He recommends a combination of DPC membership with self-funded health insurance to improve overall care, reduce claims and boost employee satisfaction.

Expanded Primary Care Services
Command began offering onsite X-rays about 18 months ago. Other diagnostic services and specialized treatments include skin biopsies, regenerative injections for arthritic joints and laser treatments for issues such as varicose veins and rosacea. These services enable patients to get faster results and quicker access to care without having to visit other providers.

Looking Ahead
As Command Family Medicine embarks on its next decade, Dr. Luke anticipates more business partnerships. The DPC model offers an attractive solution for organizations who are seeking affordable and convenient healthcare benefits for employees.

Businesses and individuals can learn more about the DPC model and schedule a consultation by visiting the Command Family Medicine website at command.md.