Short answer: If your direct primary care practice closes or your doctor leaves, you still have the right to see and get a copy of your health records. Read your agreement to learn about refunds and notice. Keep your insurance, because it works separately, and look for a new doctor before you need care.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says a federal law called HIPAA gives you the right to see and get copies of your health information. In most cases you can get a copy the way you want it, such as by email. HHS says your doctor normally has up to 30 days to give you a copy, and that your doctor can charge a reasonable fee. HHS also says you cannot be denied access for not paying your medical bill. If a practice is closing, ask early where records will be kept and how to request them.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says direct primary care practices typically charge a flat monthly or yearly fee under the terms of a contract. Because it is a contract, your agreement is the first place to look for answers about refunds of prepaid fees, how much notice you will get, and what happens if the doctor leaves. Rules differ from one practice to the next. If the agreement is silent, ask the practice in writing.
Do not assume a government office is checking on a practice. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance says it neither reviews whether a physician office is financially sound nor whether direct primary care fees are too high or too low. Other states may handle this differently, so check with your own state insurance department if you have a concern.
The Tennessee notice says direct primary care arrangements operate independently of your health insurance plan. AAFP says most patients still carry insurance for care a primary care practice cannot provide, such as specialty care and hospital stays. If you drop your coverage and your practice closes, you could be left with no plan for those needs. For help choosing a new doctor, see our guide to what direct primary care is or find a direct-pay doctor near you.
If you ever have chest pain, trouble breathing or signs of a stroke, call 911. Do not wait to reach your doctor.
HHS says HIPAA gives you the right to see and get copies of your health information, and your doctor normally has up to 30 days to provide them. Ask the practice early where records will be kept.
That depends on your agreement and the practice, so ask in writing. The Tennessee notice says the state does not review whether a practice is financially sound or whether its fees are too high or too low.
