Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

WHY DO I NEED MEMBERSHIP TO A PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE?

In the traditional healthcare setting, most people are accustomed to paying the practitioner through insurance on a visit-to-visit basis. The problem is – most primary care is patient-provider dialogue, and it’s hard for insurance companies to know how to reimburse a conversation. This forces practitioners to have you come in the office and then charge you every time you want to speak with them or follow up. Recently, practitioners have needed to see upwards of 35+ patients a day just to keep their practices solvent.

In the DPC membership model, practitioners are free to dialogue when, where, and how long the patient needs at no extra cost. This significantly increases the level of service and care a patient receives from their practitioner. So much so, that in one study patients in a DPC membership model experienced:

  • 40% Less ER Visits
  • 54% reduction in ER costs
  • 24% Less Hospitalizations

*Society of Actuaries, 2020

I have chosen a membership model because it’s affordable to the patient and allows me to take care of my patients (whom I love!) in the best way I know how.

What is a PA? Do you prescribe medications?

“PAs are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality.”  –AAPA.org

Do you work with a physician?

As a PA, Candace consults with board-certified family practice physicians and freely collaborates with other providers in her patients’ care teams including allopathic medical specialists, chiropractors, Ayurvedic practitioners and acupuncturists. 

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a traditional medical system from India that uses highly personalized natural interventions to promote health and prevent or slow progression of disease.  Ayurveda originates in 5,000-year-old Indian Vedic teachings that describe how to live in accord with nature, life and consciousness.  Its foundational texts developed over the next several millennia are still referenced by modern practitioners.  Though ancient in origin, the principles of Ayurveda are based on observations of nature and the human body which are timeless and unchanging.

During the 1800’s, British colonialism imposed its own medical system on India and fragmented the teaching and practice of Ayurveda for over 100 years until its revitalization in the 1980s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Dr. Vasant Lad, and others.  Relics of this colonial mentality remain in the dismissal of Ayurveda as a “pseudoscience” – including by the mainstream web encyclopedia Wikipedia.  In fact, there is a growing body of scientific research on Ayurvedic interventions that show a wide range of health benefits, from stress relief and cardiac health to decrease in heavy metal toxicity and a healthier microbiome.

In fact, there is a growing body of scientific research on Ayurvedic interventions that show a wide range of health benefits, from stress relief and cardiac health to decrease in heavy metal toxicity and a healthier microbiome.
https://www.tm.org/research.

Ayurvedic treatments are safe and highly personalized, and may include diet and lifestyle modifications, herbal supplements, meditation, music, aromatherapy, and referral for specialized massage and other treatments.

Are Ayurvedic supplements safe?

The brands sold at Gaia Tree Integrative Medicine and Wellevate are of the highest quality, GMP certified and certified free of heavy metals.

Why should I pay for a membership?

When you join, you will know right away: this is not a typical medical office experience.  An initial new patient visit ranges from 1.5 – 2 hours, with ongoing personalized follow up and easy access to your provider anywhere, anytime.  This model of attentive personalized care is simply not supported by traditional health insurance, but we believe you will find it – as so many others have – an invaluable investment.  [Read about full member benefits here.]

What are the membership types? Will you allow me to see you without a membership?
There are two ways to obtain ongoing care in the practice:

Because of the breadth and depth of Primary Care and Ayurvedic Health Coaching client intake and our organic process of ongoing follow up, a pay-per-visit model does not fit with these services. Gaia Tree also offers a limited Telehealth package (up to three focused visits per year for one flat fee), services, and FMCSA – DOT physical exams for commercial drivers.

If you are interested in the practice and would like to know more, please reach out to schedule a brief chat so we can answer your questions: 505-391-4242.

How can I be sure my access is unlimited?

Because I value maintaining fluid communication, prompt response times, and quick appointment availability, our patient panel is capped at less than ten percent of a traditional insurance-based practice panel. Patients also have direct access to the practice/provider through asynchronous communication (text/email) during and after hours.

What if I need my practitioner after hours?

My practice leverages a telemedicine app that allows me to be available after hours, especially in urgent concerns. This dedicated tool allows us to securely text, video chat, and send pictures in real time.

How are office visits handled?

It’s easy – you can schedule a visit via secure messaging, SMS or email, or simply call the office to request an appointment. You also have the option of a phone or video visit for quick checkups, or if you’re sick at home and would prefer not to come in.

What if I need to go to the hospital?

If you feel you need to go to the hospital, please call and discuss with me at any time. I can help you decide whether it’s something we can take care of or if the emergency room is necessary. As a private practitioner, I would like to be involved in your hospital care – whether to speak to the emergency room physician, hospitalist or nursing staff to assist in your care. We are also happy to keep in touch with your families during your stay and help arrange for your care after you return home.

What if I have insurance?

Our practice welcomes all patients – no matter what kind of health plan you do or do not have. Insurance may be used for services outside of the practice – like labs, blood work, and specialists – and your insurance information will be collected upon enrollment for this purpose. All of your visits with Gaia Tree are covered by the monthly membership fee.

We do not bill insurance. Because of this, your insurance provider will consider this practice “out of network”. If you desire, I will work with you to submit claims on your own and help you get reimbursed by your insurance company. How much you are reimbursed is dependent on your specific insurance plan and carrier.

Medicaid & Medicare

As with commercially insured patients, Medicaid/Medicare patients pay for their practice membership directly, and insurance coverage remains in place for other medical services including specialists, labs, imaging, prescriptions, and hospitalizations. If you have a medical savings account through a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be able to use this for purchasing herbs and supplements through the clinic.

WHAT ABOUT LABS, IMAGING, AND PRESCRIPTIONS?

For insured patients, we use your insurance as you normally would. For cash-pay clients and those who would prefer to work outside of their insurance for select services, we utilize community resources to save you money out of pocket on imaging, prescription drugs and labs wherever possible.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) & Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA)

Some patients utilize HSAs, FSAs, or health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) to pay membership fees as “qualified medical expenses.” Legal experts have recommended these patients follow the best practice of paying annually or semi-annually. If requested, the practice can provide you with an invoice and/or submit a notice to your employer if any questions arise about our programs. Please note that we cannot provide tax or legal advice, and you should consult your own tax advisor for guidance.

Patients may also be able to use HSA/FSA and similar accounts for purchasing herbs & supplements through our dispensary on Fullscript.

How do I pay for membership?

Membership fees are paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually by credit card through our secure business vendor. You may also pay with cash or check by arrangement.

CONTRACTS

Direct primary care is designed to be a long-term relationship and the fee structure reflects that. The service contract is for one year. If you wish to cancel your contract, you may do so for any reason with a 90-day written notice. Any services already performed (ex: office visits) will be itemized for payment. Any refunds will be granted after the service items are paid. All contracts are automatically renewed unless such notice is received by the practice not to renew.

Contact

Open Hours

Monday - Thursday
10am - 4pm

Outside of these hours by arrangement

ADDRESS

1751-O Calle Medico
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Google map