Direct Primary Care FAQs | Pediatrician Knoxville & Maryville

Frequently Asked Questions

Caring for Your Child, Every Step of the Way.

Little Wellness Pediatrics is a direct primary care pediatric practice offering comprehensive, integrative medical care for children and adolescents.

1- How much does membership cost?

Our practice uses transparent, family-based pricing with no per-visit fees or surprise bills. Membership pricing starts at $145/month for one child, $255/month for two children, and $360/month for families with three or more children. Registration fees, inclusions, and optional enhancements are clearly outlined in your welcome email before enrollment is completed as well as our membership page, so families can review everything with confidence before officially signing up for care.

2- Why is this a membership if my child doesn’t go to the doctor very often?

Membership isn’t about how often your child comes into the office it’s about having reliable access to your child’s doctor when questions or concerns arise. Many of the most important moments in pediatrics happen outside of scheduled visits: a late-night fever, a new rash, feeding concerns, behavioral questions, or the need for reassurance before a problem escalates.

Your membership includes direct access to medical guidance both in-person and virtually when appropriate. Virtual communication allows many concerns to be addressed efficiently, saving families time while still receiving thoughtful, physician-guided care. Even when your child rarely needs in-office visits, families value knowing they have an established relationship, continuity of care, and trusted medical support available when they need it most.

3- Is there a discount or family rate for multiple children?

Yes. We intentionally structure pricing to support families with three or more children. Family pricing ensures siblings can receive the same level of personalized, integrative care without the cost becoming prohibitive. Our goal is to care for the whole family, not just individual visits.

4- Do you accept unvaccinated or selectively vaccinated children?

Yes. We do not refuse care based on vaccination status. Our practice welcomes families who are seeking open dialogue, education, and respectful partnership. Our role is to provide clear medical guidance, not judgment, while supporting parental autonomy.

5- Do you take insurance?

No. We do not bill insurance directly. This allows us to provide longer visits, direct physician access, and care without insurance-driven limitations. Memberships may be paid using debit or credit cards or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other healthshare programs. Insurance is still helpful for care outside the practice such as emergencies, hospital care, imaging, send-out labs, medications, and other outside services.

6- Is Little Wellness Pediatrics a replacement for emergency care?

No. Our practice is designed for primary and preventive pediatric care, not emergency services. Families should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for life-threatening situations such as severe breathing difficulty, unresponsiveness, major trauma, or seizures. We clearly outline what constitutes an emergency and provide guidance on when urgent or emergency care is appropriate.

7- What happens if my child needs care outside of office hours?

Members have access to physician guidance outside of traditional office hours for urgent concerns. While we strive to be accessible, response times may vary, and after-hours communication is intended for urgent medical questions—not routine or administrative requests. Clear expectations are provided at enrollment. During office hours, virtual access is unlimited.

8- What is not included in the membership?

Membership does not include emergency room care, hospitalizations, specialist visits outside the practice, imaging, laboratory fees charged by third parties, or services not medically appropriate within a primary care setting. Any services outside the scope of membership are discussed clearly in advance whenever possible.

9- Do you see Medicare patients?

No. By law, Direct Primary Care practices are not permitted to provide membership-based care to Medicare beneficiaries. Because our clinic operates entirely outside of insurance billing, we are legally restricted from enrolling Medicare patients in our Direct Primary Care model. This policy is required for regulatory compliance and is not a reflection of patient eligibility or values.

10- What is your policy on refunds, cancellations, or membership termination?

Membership terms, billing policies, and cancellation procedures are outlined clearly in the membership agreement. Families may cancel membership in accordance with the agreement terms, and refunds are handled consistently and transparently to ensure fairness for both families and the practice.

11- What exactly is Direct Primary Care, and how is it different from a regular pediatric office?

Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model where families pay a simple monthly membership directly to their child’s pediatrician instead of relying on insurance billing. This removes insurance-driven limitations and allows for longer visits, easier access to your doctor, and more personalized care. Rather than rushed appointments and fragmented communication, DPC focuses on relationships, prevention, and thoughtful decision-making. Families still use insurance or health-share plans for emergencies or specialty care, while Direct Primary Care serves as their child’s medical home.

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