Frequently Asked Questions about Direct Care Memberships

Direct Care at Ripple Effect uses a membership model rather than insurance billing for primary care. This approach is meant to make costs easier to predict and visits less rushed. You pay a monthly fee rather than copays, deductibles, or unexpected bills tied to insurance processing. Care focuses on clear communication, transparent pricing, and practical next steps. Members can also access wholesale lab and imaging rates, as well as a consistent point of care rather than rotating providers.

Memberships are age-tiered and billed monthly, ranging from $49 to $99 depending on age, with a special standalone rate for children. The first and last month’s fees are collected upfront, so your final month is always prepaid. Membership includes unlimited visits, messaging/portal access to your provider, and wholesale labs/imaging. A 30-day written notice is required for cancellation. If you decide to rejoin after canceling, a $200 re-enrollment fee applies. Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are not eligible for membership.

Self-invested patients, families, and small business owners in Potomac, IL, Danville, IL, Vermilion County, IL and surrounding areas. who value proactive wellness and transparent costs are ideal. If you have a high-deductible plan, no insurance, or want to avoid the frustrations of the traditional system, Direct Care is designed for you. We focus on those seeking integrative, foundational care, not those with complex conditions requiring frequent specialist intervention. Medicare and Medicaid recipients are currently not eligible for membership.

Membership at Ripple Effect Direct Care covers unlimited office and virtual visits, preventive care, chronic disease management, urgent care, simple procedures (such as sutures and skin lesion removal), point-of-care testing, care coordination, and access to wholesale-priced labs and imaging. You also receive integrative health guidance, direct provider access, and priority scheduling. REvive IV Therapy is available to non-members for an additional fee, and employer memberships (REward) offer special rates for small teams.

Many members keep a high-deductible plan or health-share for catastrophic events, while using their Ripple Effect membership for routine, preventive, and minor urgent care needs. This approach provides transparent pricing and reduces uncertainty around day-to-day care costs. Membership is not insurance, so you should maintain coverage for ER or hospitalization, but Ripple Effect handles most day-to-day healthcare needs for Potomac and Vermilion County residents.

Members enjoy direct access to their provider without long delays in communication. Use the SigmaMD patient portal for secure messaging, appointment booking, and 24/7 access to your health information. Office visits are scheduled with time for discussion, and same-day or next-day availability is offered when possible. Technology is used to keep access straightforward and consistent for members.

Ripple Effect offers access to local labs and imaging centers at wholesale cash rates, passing the savings directly to you. While we coordinate with trusted specialists as needed, our focus is on managing as much of your care in-house as possible. Names of specific lab or imaging partners may vary; please ask during your visit for updated details. We help coordinate referrals so you have support with the next steps.