AN EXPLANATION OF URICK INTERNAL MEDICINE - A DIRECT PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE
Urick Internal Medicine is a Direct Primary Care Practice. DPC, as we call it, works well for everyone. Individuals who are uninsured find this to be a great fit. DPC also works well for those with high-deductible health plans and/or HSA accounts. I still recommend that individuals have catastrophic health insurance coverage or consider enrollment in health sharing plans/health sharing ministries. DPC is NOT a substitute for health insurance.
• DPC is not "alternative medicine". Dr Urick is a physician who practices evidence based medicine.
• Although I do not accept insurance, due to government regulations, I am unable to see patients who are enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid (due to Government Regulations). If an individual joins my practice and becomes Medicaid eligible they would need to find a new physician.
• LAB AND MEDICATION PRICES
I offer deeply discounted lab prices through my contract with QUEST. Somes patients may opt to use their insurance card instead. I can dispense generic medication in my office (usually 80-90% discounted compared to a pharmacy. Even those with medical insurance can save with these prescription discounts.
• NATUROPATHIC "MEDICINE"
If patients choose to see naturopathic people (NDs), they will not be a good fit for my practice, I respect one's desire to seek out the care that they feel is best. I only collaborate with physicians who have an MD/DO. If patients have a board certified Integrative Medicine Physician (MD/DO) I find no issue with that.
If a patient sees a naturopathic person or other healthcare practitioner that is not licensed to order labs, I will not order on their behalf. There is a reason those practitioners are unable to order lab tests: they lack medical school training. Training in healthcare does matter.
• MY MEDICAL PHILOSOPHY
Some believe that by becoming a member of my practice that they are able to dictate care. I am still an Internal Medicine physician who will, after evaluation of my patients, determine the best lab tests to order, medications to prescribe, and what needs should be addressed by a specialist physician. Becoming my DPC patient does not give carte blanche to "google" symptoms and demand that certain blood work be performed.
I also do not believe in "hormone specialists". The only hormone specialists are physicians (MD/DO) who are board certified in Endocrinology. There are non-physician practitioners falsely claiming to be an expert and inappropriately treating individuals.
I do not ascribe to leaky gut, "adrenal fatigue" or any non medically recognized condition diagnosed by a non-physician.