Frequently Asked Questions

Direct Primary Care is a return to the way medicine used to be—personal, accessible, and unhurried. By cutting out the insurance "middleman," we work directly for you, not for an insurance company. Instead of billing for every click and code, we charge a simple monthly membership fee that covers all your child's primary care needs.

In a traditional office, doctors often have 2,500+ patients and see 20-30 kids a day in 10-20 minute slots. At our DPC practice, we limit our total patient family list so that we can offer:
  • 30- to 90-minute appointments (no more rushing!)
  • Same-day or next-day visits for sick kids.
  • Direct access to your pediatrician via text, phone, or secure app.
  • Zero wait times in a crowded waiting room.

Yes. We recommend that families maintain a "wraparound" insurance plan (like a high-deductible plan) or a health-share membership. While we handle 90% of your child’s medical needs, insurance is still vital for the "big things" like emergency room visits, hospitalizations, speciality visits or complex surgeries.

No. We are a "pure" DPC practice, which means we do not bill any insurance companies. This is exactly how we keep our costs transparent and our visit times long. However, if your child needs labs, imaging, or a specialist, those providers can still bill your insurance as they normally would.

This is where DPC truly shines. Because you have your doctor’s direct contact information, you can text or call us for guidance. Many times, a quick photo sent via text or a video call can save you a 4-hour wait at a crowded Pediatric Urgent Care or ER.

Currently, Gentle Paths Pediatrics does not stock and administer vaccines. We are working toward a better long-term solution and look forward to updating you soon!

Vaccines are not included in the membership, the payment process is handled at the location where the vaccine is administered (such as a local health department or traditional practice or pharmacy).

  • If you have insurance: Most traditional pediatric/family offices and pharmacies will bill your insurance directly. Under the Affordable Care Act, most preventative vaccines are covered at 100% with no out-of-pocket cost.
  • If you do not have insurance: Local health departments offer the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides immunizations at little to no cost for eligible children.
  • Our Role: As part of your membership, our vaccine counseling and scheduling guidance are included at no extra charge. We will help you navigate these options to find the most cost-effective solution for your family.

Our approach is rooted in Informed Partnership. We believe in shared decision-making, where we provide transparent, evidence-based data on the risks and benefits of vaccinations. Our goal is to provide a judgment-free space for education - addressing concerns about timing or ingredients - while acting as a professional guide. We respect your autonomy as a parent and work together to ensure the best health outcomes for your child, your family, and the community.

Think of it as total access to your doctor. Your fee includes:

Unlimited Visits: Wellness exams and same-day/next-day sick visits (telehealth or in-person); sports & school physicals; minor procedures (i.e., foreign body removal, wart treatment, simple laceration repair, ear wax removal, etc.) and certain treatments (i.e., oral medications, inhaled medications, etc.)

The Mobile Experience: We come to your home, eliminating waiting rooms and travel stress.

Direct Access: You get my personal cell phone and email for 24/7 urgent questions.

Integrative Guidance: Whole-child wellness plans, including nutrition, sleep, mental and emotional support.

Care Coordination: I act as your health advocate, managing referrals to specialists.

Our membership covers nearly everything we can do for your child within our mobile clinic and via our direct communication channels, and we work hard to help you avoid the ER and urgent care visits. However, there are external services that fall outside of our membership:

  • Hospitalizations and ER Visits
  • Specialist Consultations
  • Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT Scans)
  • Vaccine Administration & Costs
  • Prescription Medications
  • Labwork

Instead of you coming to a clinic, the clinic comes to you! We schedule a time that works for your family’s routine. I arrive at your home with everything needed for a comprehensive exam. Whether it’s the kitchen table, the living room couch, or the nursery, we provide high-quality care in the environment where your child feels most comfortable.

Primary Service Zone: We proudly provide in-home pediatric care to families in Centennial, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and Littleton.

South County Neighborhood Days (Castle Pines & Castle Rock): We love our families in Castle Pines and Castle Rock! To ensure we can spend the most time with your children and the least amount of time on I-25, we dedicate specific Neighborhood Days to our South County families.

Outside our Zone? If you live just outside these areas, please Join our Waitlist! We are constantly evaluating our reach as our practice grows.

Not sure if you’re in range? Send us a message and we’ll check!

Yes! I carry a "doctor’s office in a bag." I can perform:
  • Full physical exams and well-child checks.
  • Rapid testing for Strep, Flu, and COVID.
  • Ear checks (Otoscopy) and lung sounds.
  • Basic wound care or stitches.
  • Newborn screenings and weight checks. If your child needs labs, complex imaging (like an X-ray) or a specialist, I will coordinate those referrals just like a traditional office would.

Absolutely not. As a pediatrician, I know that life with kids is messy—and that’s okay! Please don't stress about the dishes in the sink or toys on the floor. I am there to focus on your child’s health, not your housekeeping.

  • Zero Exposure: No sitting in a waiting room with other sick children.
  • Better Observations: I get to see your child in their natural environment, which often leads to more accurate developmental and behavioral assessments.
  • Comfort: Children are much less anxious when they are in their own "safe space" rather than on a cold crinkly-paper table in a sterile office.
  • Convenience: No more loading three kids into car seats for one child's 15-minute appointment!

One of the best perks of our DPC model is Telehealth. If you are on vacation or outside our physical service area, we can hop on a secure video call or text. I can often diagnose common issues (like pink eye or a basic rash) and call in a prescription to the nearest pharmacy, saving you a trip to a random Urgent Care.

We understand that family situations, budgets, and needs can change. We want Gentle Paths Pediatrics to be a source of peace, not a source of stress.

The Process: You can cancel your membership at any time with a 30-day notice. Simply send us an email or a message through the secure portal.

What happens next:

  • Continued Care: We will continue to provide care and support for your child for 30 days after your notice is received.
  • Records Transfer: We believe you own your child’s health data. We will provide a digital copy of your child's medical records to you or your new physician at no cost to ensure a smooth transition.
  • No Long-Term Contracts: There are no "breakup fees" or long-term commitments.

Important Note on Re-enrollment: To maintain our small patient list and ensure every child gets the time they deserve, we do not allow "seasonal" memberships. If you choose to cancel and wish to rejoin at a later date, you will be placed on our waiting list (if we are at capacity) and will be required to pay a re-enrollment fee of $150.

Still have questions? We're here to help