Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Primary Care in Northeast Ohio

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based model where you pay a flat monthly fee directly to your provider instead of going through insurance for routine care. At Four Corners Health Care, that means no insurance billing, no surprise invoices, and no administrative middlemen between you and your provider. Instead of the typical 7 to 10 minute appointment, every visit is allocated 30 to 60 minutes of dedicated provider time. You also get same-day or next-day access and 24/7 direct communication with your provider by phone, text, or email. The focus shifts from reactive, symptom-only visits to a long-term relationship built around your full health story.

No. A 4CHC membership is designed to work alongside your existing insurance, not replace it. Your insurance remains important for specialist referrals, hospitalizations, emergency care, and any services outside the scope of primary care. The DPC membership covers your day-to-day primary care needs at a predictable flat rate, which is especially valuable if you are on a high-deductible health plan and currently paying thousands out of pocket before your coverage even begins. Think of 4CHC as your primary care partner and your insurance as a safety net for larger or more complex medical events.

Monthly fees are structured by age and household size. Adults 26 and older pay $100 per month. Young adults between 18 and 25 pay $75 per month. Family plans start at $280 per month for a family of three, $360 for a family of four, and $400 for a family of five or six. Small businesses with six or more employees can enroll their teams at $85 per employee per month. An enrollment fee also applies: $80 for individuals, with a range of $200 to $300 for family plans. There is no minimum time commitment required, so members are never locked into a contract.

Beginning January 1, 2026, DPC membership fees will be officially eligible for Health Savings Account reimbursement. This means you will be able to use pre-tax dollars to cover your monthly 4CHC membership, which meaningfully reduces the net cost of your care. For independent professionals, solopreneurs, and small business owners who already use HSAs as part of their financial planning, this is a significant benefit. The 2026 eligibility change makes the DPC model a stronger financial choice compared to paying out of pocket for individual urgent care or retail clinic visits.

Membership includes unlimited office visits with 30 to 60 minute appointments, 24/7 direct provider access, chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders, preventative care, lifestyle coaching, and wholesale lab access through LabCorp at or near cost. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays and MRIs is also available at reduced rates through partner providers. Non-members can access certain services at flat fees, including DOT exams at $200, adult work physicals at $75, sports and camp physicals at $50, TB testing at $50, and health and biometric screenings at $75.

Four Corners Health Care is a 100% woman-owned practice led by four partners with more than 80 combined years of clinical experience. Dr. Margaret Henning, DNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and 2024 Paragon Award recipient with a background in neurology, emergency care, and academic leadership. Courtney Gravens, MSN, FNP, previously served as Medical Director of the Lake County Free Clinic and specializes in chronic disease management. Samantha Cole, MSN, FNP, brings 19 years in women's health and leads medical weight loss initiatives. Shanon Mekesa Ellis, MBA, MSN, FNP, combines a background in corporate finance with clinical expertise and also operates a dedicated telehealth weight loss practice.

Each provider at Four Corners Health Care limits their patient panel to 400 members. This is a deliberate decision to protect care quality and ensure that direct, personal access remains a real promise rather than a marketing claim. In traditional insurance-based practices, providers often manage panels of thousands of patients, which leads to long wait times and rushed visits. By capping panels at 400, each provider has the capacity to know your full health history, respond to your messages personally, and see you the same day or next day when you need care.

Yes. Four Corners Health Care offers a Case Consulting service for businesses that need help with OSHA case reviews and documenting medical guideline compliance, which is a practical resource for local employers navigating workplace health regulations. Group membership rates are also available for small businesses with six or more employees at $85 per employee per month. The practice is headquartered in Concord Township and serves residents across Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Ashtabula counties, including Mentor, Painesville, Willoughby, Chardon, Kirtland Hills, Waite Hill, Gates Mills, Highland Heights, Mayfield, Madison, Perry, and Geneva.