See the specialist you need. Directly.

In most DSC practices, no. You contact the specialist directly and book without a referral letter. Some specialists prefer a referral from your primary care doctor for complex cases — but this is a clinical preference, not an insurance requirement. Check with your chosen DSC specialist before booking.

Yes, in most cases. DSC consultation fees are typically eligible for HSA and FSA payment because they are direct payments for qualified medical services by a licensed physician. Confirm with your HSA/FSA administrator and your DSC specialist, as eligibility can depend on how the practice is structured.

Yes. Choosing to see a DSC specialist does not affect your ability to use your insurance for other specialist visits. You can continue seeing your existing in-network specialists for anything you choose. DSC is an additional option — not a replacement for your entire healthcare system.

If your DSC specialist has opted out of Medicare, you can still see them — but Medicare will not reimburse you for their services. Your Medicare coverage continues for everything else — labs, imaging, other specialists who accept Medicare, hospitalisations, and medications. Many Medicare patients choose DSC for specialist access despite this, because the quality of care and accessibility are worth the out-of-pocket cost.

DSC spans a wide range of specialties. Current DSC Alliance members include rheumatologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, hematologists, oncologists, palliative care physicians, podiatrists, ENT physicians, psychiatrists, allergists, and vascular medicine physicians. Search by specialty at dscalliance.org/find-a-specialist.

No — and this is one of DSC's most significant advantages. Because many DSC specialists practice via telemedicine across multiple states, patients in rural areas and small towns can often access highly qualified DSC specialists without travelling. A patient in rural Montana can see a DSC rheumatologist licensed in Montana via telemedicine.

Concierge medicine is practiced by primary care physicians who charge a high annual retainer for enhanced access. DSC is different: it is practiced by specialist physicians, fees are per-consultation or monthly rather than a large annual retainer, and DSC is fully outside the insurance system for the specialist's services.

Fees vary by specialty, geography, and individual practice. Your DSC specialist will disclose their fee clearly before your first appointment — there are no surprise bills, no procedure codes, and no explanation-of-benefits statements that arrive months later. Contact the specialist directly to ask about their fee structure.

Yes. Your DSC specialist can order lab tests, imaging, and any other diagnostic services — and those orders are processed through your health insurance exactly as they would be from any other physician. DSC covers your specialist's professional time; everything else continues through your insurance as normal.

The Direct Care Contract is a plain-language agreement between you and your DSC specialist. It spells out: what services the specialist provides, the fee and payment terms, what is not included, how to contact the specialist, and the cancellation policy. It clearly states that this is not health insurance. It is your protection as much as the specialist's.

For genuine emergencies, go to the emergency room — your insurance covers that. For urgent but non-emergency specialist needs, DSC is often significantly faster than the conventional system. Most DSC specialists offer appointment slots within days. Many offer secure messaging that may prevent an urgent visit altogether.

DSC is worth considering if you have a chronic condition requiring regular specialist management, if you have experienced long waits or short appointments, if you have a high-deductible plan, or if you live in an area with limited specialist access. The best first step is to search the directory and ask a DSC specialist directly whether it is the right fit for your situation.