BLUEFIRE MED
Phone: 785-539-9218
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is BlueFire Direct Care different than traditional medical clinics?
BlueFire Direct Care uses an innovative model of care known as Direct Primary Care (DPC). In this model, doctors are paid directly by their patients, rather than through governmental payers or insurance companies. Basically, we're cutting out the middle man and all the hassles. The fast-growing DPC model is reminiscent of the doctor-patient relationship from times gone by, when doctors didn’t have thousands of patients, had plenty of time to spend with you, and you didn’t have to wait weeks for your appointment. This style of health care increase patient satisfaction and cuts costs.
What can I expect as a patient?
As a BlueFire Med patient, you can expect shorter wait times, longer appointments, and increased access to your doctor. No more rushed visits or waiting weeks for an appointment. You can contact your physician via phone, social media, email, and text messaging day or night. Find out more about our benefits in the Member Benefits section of our website.
Do I still need insurance?
Our patients are encouraged to have (at a minimum) major medical insurance coverage. The ACA legislation does exempt patients from the underinsured/non-insured tax if you have major medical/catastrophic coverage and a physician on retainer, which is what you will get with BlueFire Med.
Low-premium, high-deductible insurance can be inexpensive, and DPC doctors strive to eliminate insurance claims. Why pay $200 toward a deductible you're unlikely to meet when you can get the same tests from a DPC doctor for $15 in cash? It just makes sense.
Can my fees be reimbursed by my insurance company?
In some cases, you can submit a receipt for your membership fees or lab/medication costs. Some insurance companies will apply these payments toward your deductible, but you'll need to check to figure our your insurer's policies.
Can I use my Health Savings Account to pay for Direct Primary Care?
The law currently allows the use of HSA money to pay for medications, imaging tests, labs, etc. However, currently HSA money can not be used to pay for DPC membership fees. Legislation has been proposed to allow HSA money to be spent on a DPC physician's retainer or membership fee. There is a bill currently being voted on to make direct primary care a covered expense under HSA accounts
How much will BlueFire Med cost?
Our monthly membership fees are based on the patient's age. In addition to low monthly membership fees, we have an on-site wholesale pharmacy, which can save significantly on prescription costs. With our discounted prescription costs, you may save enough to cover the cost of your membership fee! Patients will be offered wholesale cash prices on lab tests and imaging, as well. Find out more about our prices here.
How can you guarantee same or next-day appointments?
BlueFire Med will only be accepting 600 patients. Remember, this is low to compared to the 2,000 to 4,000 patients or more traditional doctors often manage. We keep our patient numbers low so we can get to know you. This is the kind of attention and accessibility we'd want our family to have, and it's what we offer our patients.
Will Dr. Pope and Dr. Minocha still take care of me if I need to be admitted to the hospital?
The doctors will be happy to see patients to help coordinate hospital care. The hospitalist will be managing the day-to-day care, but the doctors will be there to make sure patients know what is going on and to coordinate care.
Can I get all of my medications from BlueFire Med's pharmacy?
As a member, you have access to our entire pharmacy, and you pay only our cost, which is always below pharmacy prices. We only dispense medications we can save you money on, so almost all of the medications in our extensive inventory are generic. We also do not dispense any DEA-controlled medications such as narcotic pain medicine, sedatives, or stimulants. There will be a small fee to cover the cost of our supplies, such as the pill bottles and labels.
How can I contact my doctor after hours?
Acute illness and injury don't always happen during office hours, which is why we're available to patients 24/7. If you have a truly urgent need that cannot wait until the clinic is open then BlueFire Med patients can call 785-539-9218 and leave a message for the on call doctor who will return their call. If you need to order a medication refill or schedule an appointment or have other routine questions, you can directly contact nurse@bluefiremed.com or text/call the office at 785-539-9218 during business hours. Texting is only available during business hours. You'll have peace of mind knowing your physician is always a phone call away.
Are there medications the doctors do not prescribe?
BlueFire is not accepting new patients for pharmaceutical treatment of Chronic Pain. Patients who use narcotics for chronic pain are encouraged to seek a pain treatment center.
How does BlueFire Med handle vaccines?
BlueFire Med currently recommends the local health department for most routine vaccines. The local health department has subsidized vaccinations that significantly reduce the cost for most patients, depending on their insurance status.
BlueFire Med requires that all pediatric patients follow current CDC vaccine guidelines which follow the latest evidence and science-based guidelines. We will not accept new or continue to treat any patients that do not follow the guidelines, unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as known anaphylaxis to a specific vaccine.
Are there any other fees I should expect?
Almost all of the routine procedures Dr. Pope and Dr. Minocha perform are included in the membership fees. There are a few exceptions to this for complicated procedures. Our membership information page has pricing details.
Will BlueFire Med see patients on a fee-for-service basis if they are NOT members?
Dr. Pope and Dr. Minocha will be treating members only, but occasionally can make exceptions. You will need to call us to discuss the circumstances prior to coming into the clinic. The medication, lab, imaging discounts are only available to members. We understand that sometimes you get sick or hurt away from home and may need our help.
Do BlueFire Med doctors make house calls?
Yes, there are times when a good old-fashioned house call is the best answer for the patients. We provide the initial newborn visit at no charge, but all other house calls will be a $50 fee. If a visit is required outside of office hours, there will be a $50 charge at the time of the visit.