Direct Primary Care is a different way of paying for and receiving care, so it’s normal to have questions. Here are the ones we hear most. Don’t see yours? Call us at (703) 938-4600 — a real person on our team will answer.
What is Direct Primary Care, and how is it different from a regular doctor’s office?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) replaces insurance billing for office visits with one flat monthly membership fee. Instead of a rushed visit and a bill from your insurance company, you get unlimited visits — in person, by phone, or by video — with no copays, plus 24/7 access to your own physician. DocTalker has opted out of Medicare and does not bill or participate with insurance companies for visits.
How much does DocTalker membership cost?
Membership is billed monthly and ranges from $35 to $125 depending on age: $125/month for adults 50+, $99/month for adults 26–49, $99/month for young adults 18–25 on their own membership (or $35/month if added to a parent’s membership), and $35/month for children ages 6–17 with a parent membership. There is no long-term contract.
Are there copays or per-visit fees?
No. Your monthly membership covers unlimited office, phone, and video visits with no copays and no per-visit charges. The only separate costs are labs, in-office procedures (like sutures or joint injections), and house calls — and we always quote those prices before anything is done, so there are no surprise bills.
Does DocTalker accept insurance?
We don’t bill insurance for visits — that’s what lets us keep visits unlimited and unhurried. You should still keep your insurance, though: it continues to work normally for prescriptions, labs, imaging, specialist referrals, and hospital care. Many of our patients pair a DocTalker membership with a high-deductible health plan.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, a one-time $110 registration fee applies per patient. If your whole family is registering together, call us at (703) 938-4600 — we may be able to reduce the fee for family registrations.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for membership?
Many patients do use HSA or FSA funds toward their membership. Because rules vary by plan, we recommend confirming eligibility with your plan administrator or tax advisor before enrolling.
Do you see children?
Yes. We care for children ages 6 and up when enrolled together with a parent or guardian’s membership. Enrollment for children under 6 is considered case-by-case — please call our office to discuss.
Does DocTalker offer house calls?
Yes. House calls are available throughout Northern Virginia and are billed under a separate fee schedule from membership. Learn more about house calls →
How fast can I actually get seen, and what’s telehealth like?
Same-day or next-day appointments are available for acute concerns, and you have 24/7 access to your physician — not a call center or triage nurse. Telehealth visits use HIPAA-compliant video conferencing from your phone or computer, and about 60% of issues can be resolved over the phone without an office visit at all.
Does DocTalker perform capacity evaluations?
Yes. DocTalker physicians perform decisional capacity evaluations — a physician’s assessment of whether someone can understand and make a specific medical or care decision — in our Vienna office, at home, or at a care facility across Northern Virginia, with a written assessment typically provided within 3 business days. You do not need to be a DocTalker member to request one. Read full details and pricing →
Can I cancel my membership if it’s not a fit?
There is no long-term contract — membership is billed monthly. Contact our office at (703) 938-4600 to discuss ending or pausing a membership.
How do I become a new patient?
Call us at (703) 938-4600 or register online. We’ll send new patient forms ahead of time so you can fill them out before your first visit — just bring a list of your current medications and any previous medical records you’d like us to have.
Does DocTalker work with employers to offer this as a benefit?
Yes. We partner with Northern Virginia employers to offer Direct Primary Care as an employee benefit, priced per employee per month. Contact us to discuss options for your business.
Register Now · Make an Appointment · Or call (703) 938-4600