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Meet Dr. Luke Van Kirk

Direct Primary Care Expert

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Dr. Luke was raised in St. Paul, MN, New Orleans, LA and Olathe, KS. He went to undergraduate school at Evangel University in Springfield, MO.

There he met friends and had professors that helped him believe he could go to medical school. He ended up going to Western University, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, CA. He only applied to osteopathic schools because he wanted to learn how to manipulate spine and body in order to help his patients as much as possible.

Initially, he wanted to go into emergency medicine , but soon he found out he loved continuity of care and getting to know his patients. That made family medicine the most obvious choice for him. He was lucky enough to meet a beautiful girl while he was at Evangel and started dating her just prior to starting medical school. They were long distance since she was in nursing school in Springfield, MO. He decided to do a rotation at Cox Family Medicine residency so he could be close to her.

The residency ended up blowing him away, so he put all his efforts into being there so he could be close to his (now) wife and get into his dream residency. He started his residency there in July of 2012 and initially thought he may do a mix of ER work and outpatient family medicine. That would not last long though. Soon he found out that his cousin, Josh Umbehr, had started a direct primary care practice (DPC) called Atlas MD (atlas.md) in Wichita, KS. This completely changed his focus in residency and made him realize he wanted to do nothing but DPC. So much so, that he tried to start a house call business while in residency.

Thankfully, he was patient and waited until 12/2015 to start his DPC practice. He believes that it will change the world, the health of his patients and liberate healthcare practitioners to treat patients the way they would want to be treated.


How can DPC help my business attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market?

Offering DPC shows you value employee well-being. It’s a unique, high-value benefit that provides real healthcare access—not just insurance. That can set your company apart in recruiting, improve loyalty, and reduce turnover.


How can DPC help my business attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market?

Offering DPC shows you value employee well-being. It’s a unique, high-value benefit that provides real healthcare access—not just insurance. That can set your company apart in recruiting, improve loyalty, and reduce turnover.


What kinds of services are included with a Direct Primary Care membership—are there any hidden fees?

Most services are included in the monthly fee: exams, chronic disease management, preventive screenings, and basic procedures. Many DPC clinics also offer wholesale pricing on labs, medications, and imaging. There are no surprise bills or co-pays—just clear, upfront pricing.


How does DPC support mental health and stress management in the workplace?

Many DPC physicians provide mental health screenings, stress support, and counseling referrals. Because they have more time with patients, DPC doctors can help identify and address issues early, leading to better overall well-being and resilience in the workplace.


Can DPC reduce absenteeism and improve productivity at work?

Absolutely. Quicker appointments, better chronic disease management, and more personalized attention lead to healthier employees. Healthy employees miss fewer days of work and perform better—an important return on investment for employers.


How accessible is care for employees using Direct Primary Care—what happens when they need help after hours or on weekends?

DPC patients have direct access to their physician through text, phone, and virtual visits. Many Direct Primary Care doctors offer after-hours support, which means employees don’t need to wait days for care or visit the ER for minor issues. It’s flexible, fast, and reliable.


What are the top reasons companies in Springfield are adding DPC to their benefits package?

Business leaders are choosing DPC to cut costs, reduce absenteeism, improve employee satisfaction, and increase productivity. DPC offers convenience, personalized care, and access that traditional systems can’t match—making it a smart business decision.


How does DPC help businesses control healthcare costs long-term?

With DPC, there are no surprise bills, no co-pays, and fewer insurance claims. Employers pay a predictable monthly rate, which allows for better budgeting. Preventive care, chronic disease management, and same-day appointments help catch health issues early—saving money on costly ER visits or hospitalizations.


Can a small business offer Direct Primary Care to employees instead of traditional insurance?

Yes! Direct Primary Care (DPC) is especially attractive to small businesses that struggle with the high cost of group insurance. With a flat monthly fee, you can offer employees unlimited access to primary care without co-pays, claims, or surprise bills. DPC can stand alone or pair with a high-deductible insurance plan for major medical needs, giving employees access to quality care without the financial strain.


What is Direct Primary Care and how is it different from traditional insurance-based models?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model where patients or employers pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited access to a physician. It eliminates the need for insurance billing, allowing for more time with patients, same-day or next-day appointments, and wholesale pricing on medications labs and procedures. It’s healthcare made simpler and more personal. See why Springfield employers are making the switch. Visit command.md


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