Frequently asked questions
for U Care MD

We believe the insurance-based system leads to rushed, low-quality, reactionary care. Patients deserve better. That’s why we’ve cut out the middlemen and work directly for you, providing a model that focuses on keeping you healthy and happy through proactive, unrushed, and personalized care. Our decisions are based solely on what’s best for you—not what maximizes insurance reimbursement.You can learn more about Direct Primary Care here.

You might think membership isn't necessary, especially if you're healthy and only see your doctor once a year. However, meaningful improvements in health don’t happen through a quick, routine physical. True health requires ongoing support, consistency, and accountability—and that's exactly what membership offers. Think of it like a gym membership: an investment in your long-term wellness, with the freedom to use it as often or as little as you'd like.Membership provides a premium primary care experience, giving you direct access to a doctor who knows you—not a nurse line or a faceless telehealth provider, whether through a call, text, or email.With our membership model, your doctor has more time to focus on you. Expect longer appointments, minimal wait times, better coordination with specialists, and same or next-day visits—all things traditional practices often can’t provide.Direct Primary Care is perfect for anyone seeking more personalized, accessible care—especially if you have a high-deductible plan, are uninsured, or simply want a doctor who really knows you. It’s especially beneficial for those with chronic conditions, busy lives, or anyone looking to save on long-term healthcare cost without the hassle of insurance.You can read more about our membership here.

Yes!Do you have your doctor’s direct number?Can you get an appointment when you need one?Do they see you on time and spend more than 15 minutes with you?Can you text them for a quick follow-up question?Does their office return your calls quickly?Do you have to repeat your story often times?Have you ever been surprised by a bill for something you thought was covered?You get the idea. At U Care MD, we offer quality, access, convenience, and transparency—things that insurance-based primary care simply can’t provide.

No, membership is month-to-month. You can cancel at any time with 30 days notice (to ensure a safe transfer of care) if you feel your healthcare needs have been met and you do not need ongoing care.

No. You can join U Care MD without insurance. Your membership gives you direct primary care with no copays or surprise bills. Many people still keep insurance for prescriptions, labs, imaging, specialists, hospital care, and emergencies. Not sure what fits you best? We can help you think it through.

While your membership at U Care MD covers all in-clinic care—doctor visits, direct access, and many services at no extra cost—it’s still a good idea to have insurance for things like medications, laboratory studies, blood tests, vaccines, imaging, specialist visits, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, surgeries, and procedures.Some patients choose to pair their membership with insurance, knowing most of their day-to-day care is taken care of through U Care MD. That’s a personal choice, but insurance provides an important safety net.Without insurance, you'd be responsible for 100% of emergency, hospital, or other out-of-clinic care, which could be financially overwhelming. For true peace of mind, we strongly recommend having at least a high-deductible insurance plan alongside your DPC membership.Please note: U Care MD membership is not considered health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Yes. You can use your insurance to pay for the expensive items: medications, laboratory studies, blood tests, vaccines, imaging, specialist fees, emergency room visits, surgeries, and procedures.If you do not have insurance, we will help you find the best price and any applicable discount cards.

Maybe. Since we're out-of-network and don’t bill insurance, you'll need to check with your plan directly. We can provide superbills and detailed invoices for you to submit, but we don’t bill insurance on your behalf.

During open enrollment, many patients are surprised by the high cost of insurance premiums. Some choose a high-deductible or catastrophic plan to save money and pair it with a DPC membership for affordable, personalized care throughout the year.This combo works well—you save on premiums, have coverage for major health events, and enjoy better day-to-day care with no copays or surprise bills. Just keep in mind, DPC is NOT a substitute for insurance, but it makes your insurance more affordable and perfectly complements the benefits of DPC care.

Yes. Dr. Chen speaks Mandarin Chinese and English. If you feel more comfortable discussing your health in Chinese, you can do that here. Clear communication matters.

You get direct access to your doctor. Reach out by phone, text, or secure messaging, depending on the situation. Need a quick question answered? Want to check if something needs a visit? That’s what DPC is for. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

Your membership includes unlimited primary care support, same/next-day access when available, unrushed visits, and ongoing care for your everyday health needs. Think preventive care, sick visits, chronic condition management, medication follow-up, and care coordination. No copays. No surprise bills.

Absolutely. You should feel respected, seen, and safe in every visit. I provide LGBTQIA+ affirming primary care, including PrEP, PEP, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and care that fits who you are. No judgment. Just good medicine.

Yes. When it makes sense, we can meet by telehealth for follow-ups, simple concerns, and check-ins. If you need hands-on care, we’ll ask you to come in. Easy, flexible, and made for busy schedules.