FAQS

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What is DPC?

Direct Primary Care is healthcare with you and your physician at the center.

  • In short, insurance companies have created the vast majority of problems with our current healthcare system.

    For example: You request a refill for a med you’ve been stable on for years. For your doctor to get paid by insurance for filling your Rx, they tell you to schedule an in-person appointment.

    Is an appointment medically necessary in this situation? Probably not. But because you’d like insurance to pay for this, you’re forced to wait for your doctor’s next available non-urgent appointment.

    In a traditional practice that bills insurance, your doctor’s next non-urgent appointment slot is likely weeks/months out because they need to keep their daily schedule as full as possible to ensure they can get enough insurance reimbursements to cover their overhead and make a decent living.

  • Yes, Dr. Pfenning will prioritize minimizing your costs. If it makes sense to file any order/prescription through your insurance, she will.

    1. Insurance-based practices often treat you like a number, with little time spent actually restoring or maintaining your health.

    2. By changing the way you pay for primary care, you allow your physician to be available for you when you actually need her.

    3. No more corporate call centers!

  • A high-deductible/HSA plan or healthshare.

  • HSA – yes!

    FSA – check with your benefits administrator.

What is Lifestyle Medicine and how is it different from other holistic practices?

  • Lifestyle medicine is first and foremost, scientifically founded and evidence-based.

  • The only tests utilized are ones that are cost-effective and evidence-based.

  • Dr. Pfenning will only recommend affordable, evidence-based supplements like B12 or Vitamin D and would rather support your overall nutritional needs through whole foods.

  • Lifestyle Medicine focuses on empowering you to harness your own internal strengths and motivations to make meaningful lasting changes to your habits.

  • Traditional Western medicine treatments and pharmaceuticals are still utilized, but ideally secondary to lifestyle prescriptions and interventions.

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  • What people are saying

    “Our family went through a heartbreaking tragedy that left us devastated and in need of both medical care and emotional support. Dr. Pfenning was the compassionate professional who met us where we were—with calm empathy and exceptional expertise. From the very beginning, she provided guidance that truly made a difference. Today, Dr. Pfenning is our trusted family doctor for all our needs. Her quick responses, caring follow-up calls, and even her efforts to help us manage costs have been remarkable. We’ve never had a doctor go the extra mile to find better deals before! It’s clear that she genuinely cares about our well-being, and that sincerity means everything to us. If you’re looking for a doctor who combines medical excellence with heartfelt care, we wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Pfenning. She’s more than a physician—she’s a partner in your family’s health and healing.” - Peter B.

  • What people are saying

    “I’ve never felt so heard and validated than when I see Dr. Pfenning. When I bring concerns or problems to her, she is able to piece together all the information and develop a plan WITH me to reach MY goals. Whenever I leave my appointments with her, "it feels like I just left lunch with a friend. Having that rapport with your patients takes intention and purpose, and Dr. Pfenning chooses that every day with every patient. I would follow her anywhere.” - Katie C.

  • What people are saying

    “I cannot say enough good things about how amazing Dr. Pfenning is! She is that extremely rare doctor who legitimately cares about every patient and their well-being. She doesn’t immediately pull out the prescription pad the minute you open your mouth. She always takes the time to understand what is going on with you and then explains things to you in language you can understand. She is simply THE best!” - Kara C.