Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Arrow Primary Care provides traditional, old-fashioned family doctor and primary care medicine with a modern twist: direct primary care.
Led by Dr. Michael Carnathan, Arrow Primary Care leverages the direct primary care business model to provide care centered on the patient, not the patient’s insurance company.
Understanding Direct Primary Care (DPC)
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an alternative to traditional insurance based practices.
Rather than employ a small army of billing staff to charge every patient’s insurance company for every visit and procedure DPC doctors just charge patients a flat, predictable, affordable monthly subscription. Somewhat like a fitness club membership.
In return, patients receive as many appointments and primary care services as needed – either in person, or via videoconference, telephone, or even email.
There are no additional deductibles, copays, or coinsurance to worry about: The monthly subscription covers everything.
Meanwhile, the doctor doesn’t have to hire a massive staff of billing specialists to fight the insurance companies to get paid. The doctor receives a steady stream of income, and is able to operate with a very small staff.
This, in turn, allows for a much lower patient load. Doctors can spend much more time with each patient. Same-day and next-day appointments are routinely available with most DPC practices. And both doctors and patients enjoy a more personal, fulfilling healthcare experience.
This model is gaining traction because it simplifies access to routine and preventative healthcare at more affordable rates.
Meet Dr. Carnathan of Arrow Primary Care in Pennsylvania
Dr. Michael Carnathan is a Board-Certified Family Physician who has been an active member of the Lehigh Valley medical community since 2013.
With degrees from St. Bonaventure University and St. George’s University School of Medicine, followed by a residency at Chestnut Hill Hospital, Dr. Carnathan has extensive experience in family medicine.
Disenchanted by the limitations of the insurance-based health system, he founded Arrow Primary Care in 2019 to restore and emphasize the fundamental doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Carnathan enjoys exploring the Lehigh Valley with his wife and two sons, trying local cuisines, swimming, and socializing with friends.
How Direct Primary Care Works
First, you’ll select a DPC physician in your area and enroll in a membership. A flat-rate monthly fee, typically between $75 and $150, is paid directly to the DPC provider.
Members enjoy unlimited access to routine, preventive, and other services without the hassle of per-visit payments. Many DPC’s cover chronic condition management as part of your membership, but they vary, so be sure to check!
Note: DPC does not include things like ER visits, hospital stays, specialist care, surgery, and outside lab and imaging services.
In addition to a DPC membership, you should also maintain a traditional insurance plan such as a high-deductible health plan, or join a health share plan like DPC Direct.
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Advantages of Direct Primary Care
- Enhanced Doctor-Patient Time. Members often have longer appointments with their doctors compared to traditional settings, allowing for thorough discussions without rush.
- Cost-Effectiveness. DPC memberships are generally priced around $100 or less, often less than a monthly phone bill, making it a cost-effective option for many.
- Unrestricted Provider Access. Members can frequently access their healthcare providers as needed, reducing the chances of untreated health issues.
- Transparent Costs. Members pay a flat monthly fee, eliminating unexpected medical bills.
- Quick Appointment Scheduling. Same-day or next-day appointments are more feasible, ensuring timely medical attention.
- Improved Physician Job Satisfaction. DPC doctors report higher job satisfaction and reduced burnout due to less administrative pressure and closer patient relationships.
- Additional Health Benefits: Many DPC practices offer extra services like yoga, nutritional counseling, and wellness classes to enhance overall health.
Disadvantages of Direct Primary Care
- No Emergency Coverage. DPC plans do not cover emergency medical treatments or hospital stays.
- Excludes Prescription Drug Coverage. Prescription medications are generally not covered under DPC memberships, though discounted drug plans may be available.
- No credit towards insurance deductibles.. Monthly DPC fees do not count towards health insurance deductibles.
- Restrictions on Health Savings Account (HSA) Usage. DPC fees cannot be paid using HSA funds under current law, though other medical expenses incurred at the DPC may be eligible.
Services Offered
- Extended Office Visits. Ranging from 30 to 90 minutes as needed without copays.
- Annual Physical Exams. For all ages, including sports, school, camp physicals, etc.
- Chronic Care Management. Arrow Primary Care helps patients manage chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, depression, and more.
- House Calls. Available within a limited range from the office.
- Pre-operative Evaluations and Urgent/Sick Care.
- Transgender Medicine and Virtual Visits, including text, email, and video chat.
- In-Office Procedures. Minor procedures such as earwax removal, ingrown toenail removal, EKGs, joint injections, mole removals, and more, are done without copays. .
- In-Office Testing: Including blood glucose testing, stool hemoccult, rapid strep, urine pregnancy tests, and more.
Pricing
Arrow Primary Care offers straightforward and affordable monthly plans based on age:
- Ages 0-26: $40 per month
- Ages 27-50: $70 per month
- Ages 51 & Up: $85 per month
- Family Pricing: $200 per month for 2 adults & 2 children, with a $30 charge for each additional child over 2
- Home Visits: $100 per visit within a 5-mile radius, additional charges apply outside this radius
- Registration Fee: $70 per person
Contact Information
- Location: 2223 Linden St., Suite 2, Bethlehem, PA 18017
- Phone: (484) 626-0121
- Website: https://arrowprimarycare.com/about-us/
Green Hills Direct Family Care
Green Hills Direct Family Care, the first Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic in the Lehigh Valley, was established by Dr. Kimberly Legg Corba in 2016.
They offer a broad range of services under a simplified payment structure. Benefits for patients include unlimited access to primary care services, 24/7 availability for urgent medical issues, and no co-pays.
The clinic sees patients for adult physicals, women’s healthcare, pediatric care, wellness education, and chronic disease management.
Additional conveniences include an on-site wholesale pharmacy and lab, enhancing the affordability and accessibility of healthcare.
Meet Dr. Kimberly Legg Corba
Dr. Kimberly Legg Corba has been a prominent figure in the Lehigh Valley’s medical community for over a decade.
After earning her medical degree from The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1993, she completed her residency at the same institution, specializing in Family Practice.
Dr. Corba’s career includes roles as an Associate Clinical Professor and a solo Family Practitioner, where she developed a deep understanding of patient care.
Her extensive volunteer work and involvement in education, such as precepting medical students and serving on educational boards, highlight her commitment to the community and medical education.
In her personal time, Dr. Corba enjoys gardening, tennis, and spending time with her family and pets.
Services Offered
Green Hills Direct Family Care provides an extensive list of medical services:
- Unrestricted Doctor Access. Patients can contact their doctor after hours, on weekends, and holidays for any acute medical issues.
- Extended, Relaxed Visits. Patients are not rushed and have ample time to discuss their health, fostering a better understanding of their care.
- Efficient Scheduling. Same-day and next-day appointments are available, making healthcare more accessible.
- Affordable Diagnostics and Medications.: The clinic offers wholesale prices for labs, radiology, and medications, with costs communicated upfront.
- Technology-Integrated Care. Patients can access their medical information and communicate with their healthcare provider online.
- Comprehensive Physical Exams. Tailored to individual health needs and goals, including all recommended screenings.
- Minor Labs and Procedures. Services like suturing, cryotherapy, and skin biopsies are included at no additional cost.
Membership Fees
- Ages 0 – 19: $20/month or $35/month
- Ages 20 – 44: $60/month
- Ages 45 – 64: $85/month
- Ages 65+: $110/month
- Included Services: Extended office visits, annual wellness exams, various in-office procedures, and more. Additional fees for specialized treatments and diagnostics may apply, but are always communicated in advance, so that there are no surprises.
Contact Information
- Location: 1150 Glenlivet Drive, Suite A17, Allentown, PA 18106
- Phone: 610-530-9155
- Website: https://www.greenhillsdirectfamilycare.com/
CCC Health, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, CCC Health is a pioneering Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic led by Drs. Greg and Chamanie Wheeler.
With over 44 years of combined experience in both acute and critical care, the Wheelers have witnessed the limitations of conventional medicine and its often superficial treatment approaches.
The “CCC ” in CCC Health stands for competent, compassionate care. Which is exactly what the Wheelers aim to provide.
At CCC Health, they focus on root cause analysis and restoring body balance, believing that true wellness forms the foundation of effective medicine.
Meet the Physicians
Dr. Greg Wheeler has a rich background in technology, initially working with NASA and MidAmerican Energy before following a divine call to medicine.
After completing his medical degree from Des Moines University and a residency in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Wheeler has focused on preventing unnecessary emergency visits by offering comprehensive primary care.
His experience spans high-paced trauma centers and rural hospital settings, driving his decision to adopt the DPC model to enhance the doctor-patient relationship and focus on preventive care.
Dr. Chamanie Wheeler has a passion for pediatrics and a desire to bring smiles to children worldwide.
Dr. Wheeler completed medical training at Des Moines University and residency at Blank Children’s Hospital. She is deeply committed to child advocacy and believes in empowering patients with control over their healthcare decisions, reflecting her commitment to transparency and patient autonomy in the DPC setting.
Services Offered
- Root Cause Analysis. Focused on understanding the underlying causes of health issues, not just treating symptoms.
- Extended and Flexible Visits. Thanks to the DPC model, patients at CCC receive longer visits without feeling rushed, ensuring all questions are addressed.
- Accessible Care. Easy scheduling of appointments, including same-day and next-day services, emphasizes each patient as a priority.
- Affordable Testing and Medications. CCC patients receive steep discounts for labs, radiology, and medications.
- Comprehensive Physical Exams. Personalized to each patient’s health needs and goals, including all necessary health screenings.
- Mental Health Support and Nutritional Guidance. Doctors Wheeler and Wheeler believe that primary care should address the mental and emotional components of health alongside physical well-being.
- Specialty Consultations. Coordinated care with specialists, chosen jointly by the doctor and patient.
Diagnostic and Testing Services
- ImPACT Testing for Sports Participation:
- Ages under 11: $75 for a 30-minute session
- Ages 12 and above: $50 for a 15-minute session
Wellness Store
CCC Health features a wellness store on site that provides:
- A curated selection of wellness products
- Exclusive offers and discounts for members
- Personalized product recommendations
- Access to educational resources to inform health decisions
- A community platform for shared wellness experiences
Comprehensive Physical Exams
- Adult Physicals (18+ years):
- Includes a detailed physical and neurological exam, with optional EKG, incentive spirometry, pulse oximetry, body composition analysis, nutritional health analysis, and personalized physical activity plans.
- Infant Physicals (0-30 months):
- Seven individual physicals in the first year and five in the second, including developmental screenings and necessary health reviews.
- Pediatric Physicals (3-17 years):
- Annual in-depth physicals covering comprehensive health assessments and developmental screenings.
A La Carte Services
- Office Visits:
- Sick Visits: $150 – $220 (members included)
- In-Person Consult: $220 (members included)
- Telemedicine Consult: $150 (members included)
- Functional Medicine Consult: $500 (members $250)
- Physicals:
- Well Visit Physical: $150 (members included)
- Sports Physical with Baseline Impact Testing: $200 (members $30)
- School Physical: $150 (members included)
- CDL/Driver’s Physical: $200 (members $120)
- Preoperative Physicals: $150 without EKG, $200 with EKG (members $25 with EKG)
In-Office Procedures
- Electrocardiograms (EKG): $50 (members $25)
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): $75 (members $35)
- Nebulizer Treatment: $50 (members $10)
- Suturing: Simple $250 (members included), Complex from $300 (members from $75)
- Phlebotomy Fee: $50 (members $35)
- Medical Ear Piercing: $145 (members $97)
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Additional Services
- IV Therapy:
- Basic Hydration: $200 (members $150)
- Additives like Glutathione, Vitamin C, and others range from $65 to $113 for members
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMT):
- Treatment for 1-2 areas: $220 (members $80)
- Comprehensive treatment: $550 (members $275)
Membership Pricing
CCC Health offers transparent membership pricing based on age groups:
- Ages 0 – 19: $20/month to $35/month
- Ages 20 – 44: $60/month
- Ages 45 – 64: $85/month
- Ages 65 and older: $110/month
Membership includes a wide range of services from extended visits to minor procedures, with some services incurring additional but transparent fees.
Contact Information
- Location: 15530 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530
- Phone: 484-646-3900
- Website: https://www.ccchealth.info/
For Further Reading:
- The Complete Guide to Direct Primary Care (DPC)
- Why Small Businesses Choose Direct Primary Care for their Employees
Hi! I’m Misty Berryman, and I’m one of your Personal Benefits Managers. I like working with HSA for America because we’re creating solutions to healthcare problems. Our focus on money-saving alternatives like HSA plans and health sharing programs, and the variety of health share programs we offer, are what set us apart. Read more about me on my Bio page.
