Preventive Care FAQs Explained Simply
Learn how Direct Primary Care works, what unlimited visits include, and how affordable healthcare supports you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about memberships, services, telehealth, and house-call care at CoreMed Clinic.
What is direct primary care (DPC)?
Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model where patients pay a simple monthly membership fee directly to their provider, eliminating insurance middlemen.
This allows for longer visits, same-day or next-day appointments, and direct access to your doctor by phone, text, or email.
Do I need health insurance if I join CoreMed Clinic?
While your DPC membership covers your primary care needs, we recommend maintaining health insurance to cover specialists, hospitalizations, surgeries, and emergency care.
Many patients choose to pair a high-deductible insurance plan with their DPC membership for more comprehensive and affordable coverage.
What ages do you serve?
We provide care for patients ages 1 through 64 years.
This includes pediatric care for children and comprehensive primary care for adults.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most members are able to schedule same-day or next-day appointments.
Through our telehealth and house call model, we prioritize accessibility and convenience for all patients.
What are your office hours?
We are available:
- Monday - Friday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
We also offer telehealth and home visits during these hours.
Are prescriptions included in my membership?
Your membership includes the provider visit and consultation related to prescribing medications.
The cost of the medication itself is not included. However, we work with affordable pharmacies and can help you find the best available pricing.
How do House Calls Work?
House call visits are available throughout Upstate South Carolina within a 20-mile radius from USPS in Lyman.
A $35 minimum travel fee applies, plus $3.50 per mile (round trip) based on the distance traveled.
We bring the necessary medical equipment and supplies to provide quality care in the comfort and privacy of your home, allowing you to receive convenient, personalized medical care without leaving your doorstep.
- Frequency for house call limitations apply.
Can I cancel my membership at any time?
Yes. There are no long-term contracts. You may cancel your membership at any time with a written 30 days’ notice. We believe in earning your trust through quality care and personalized service, not binding agreements. If you decide to rejoin CoreMed Clinic in the future, a $150 re-enrollment fee per individual patient will apply.
What minor procedures are included?
Your membership includes common in-person procedures such as:
- Wound care
- Suture removal
- Ear irrigation
- Simple skin treatments
- Other minor office-based procedures*
Please visit our Services page for more details.
*Services included in membership are limited to those provided directly by CoreMed Clinic. Services not provided by CoreMed Clinic—including but not limited to laboratory testing, imaging, medications, and pathology—are not included and may result in additional charges from third-party providers. CoreMed Clinic does not control or assume responsibility for third-party services, pricing, or billing.
How do I become a member?
The first step is scheduling a brief 15-minute meet-and-greet via telehealth to determine if CoreMed Clinic is the right fit for you and your family.
You can schedule by calling (864) 214-2424, emailing contact@coremed-clinic.com, or by completing the Contact Us form on our website.
If membership aligns with your healthcare needs, we will guide you through the simple enrollment process.
Are there copays or hidden fees?
No. There are no copays and no surprise bills for services included in the membership. If additional services are needed (such as labs, imaging, or medications), patients have access to discounted cash pricing.
How do telehealth visits work?
Telehealth visits are conducted securely through your phone, tablet, or computer. You can discuss symptoms, receive medical advice, review labs, and manage chronic conditions—all from the comfort of your home. If an in-person evaluation is needed, an in-person visit can be scheduled.
Can I Contact My Provider Between Visits?
Yes.
Members can communicate non-emergent issues with the clinic through secure messaging or phone when needed. This allows for quick answers to medical questions without scheduling an office visit.
What happens if I need lab work or imaging?
Labs and imaging are not included in the membership, but patients receive significantly discounted cash pricing through partner laboratories and imaging centers. Many tests are available for a fraction of typical insurance prices.
Patients may submit charges from third-party providers (including pharmacies, laboratories, pathology services, and imaging centers) to their insurance or other payer for possible reimbursement. CoreMed Clinic does not guarantee reimbursement, and discounted cash-pay rates may not be eligible for reimbursement.
What if I need to see a specialist?
If specialized care is needed, CoreMed Clinic may provide referrals and assist with care coordination, including identifying specialists who offer transparent or cash-pay pricing when available. Services performed by specialists or any providers outside of CoreMed Clinic are not included in the membership fee and are the sole financial responsibility of the patient. Patients may submit such charges to their insurance plan for coverage consideration; however, CoreMed Clinic makes no representations and does not guarantee reimbursement.
Is direct primary care the same as health insurance?
CoreMed Clinic membership includes the primary care services described in your membership agreement. Hospitalizations, surgeries, emergency room care, and other services not provided by CoreMed Clinic are not included. To help manage these types of expenses, many patients choose to pair their DPC membership with:
- A high-deductible insurance plan
- Health sharing programs
- Catastrophic coverage
What conditions can you treat through telehealth?
Many common conditions can be managed through telehealth, including:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Allergies
- Minor infections
- Skin conditions
- Medication refills
- Chronic disease management
- Lab and imaging review