What is the difference between direct care and concierge care?

This is a direct care practice. The terms direct care and concierge medicine are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences, especially in how they're structured and how they charge patients. Here's a clear breakdown:

Direct Care 

• Payment Model: Patients pay the provider directly—typically a monthly or annual membership fee or fee-for-service, depending on the practice.

• Cost: Usually lower and more transparent than concierge medicine.

• Philosophy: Focus on accessibility, affordability, and transparency. It’s often positioned as an alternative for people frustrated with insurance-based care.

Concierge Medicine

• Payment Model: Patients pay a high retainer fee for enhanced services and access. This is in addition to billing insurance for visits and procedures

• Cost: Higher upfront cost for patients, often appealing to a wealthier clientele.

• Philosophy: Focus on luxury, convenience, and exclusivity. Patients may get 24/7 access, personal cell numbers, extended appointments, and more.
  

Do you bill insurance?

All services are direct-pay (cash pay) except for Medicare. While IPC accepts Medicare, IPC does not bill other insurance directly—you can request a Superbill to submit for insurance reimbursement or use your Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Testing and labs ordered off-site may be billed to insurance separately.

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative Medicine shifts the focus of healthcare from treating disease to promoting health and healing. It recognizes that true wellness involves the mind, body, spirit, and community. By understanding a patient’s beliefs, culture, and lifestyle, clinicians can more effectively support meaningful behavior change—leading to better health outcomes and a more valuable, personalized approach to care.

Core Principles of Integrative Medicine

1. Patient-centered care
   The relationship between the patient and provider is collaborative and emphasizes empathy, trust, and individual values.

2. Whole-person focus
   Treatment plans take into account lifestyle, stress, nutrition, sleep, relationships, and emotional well-being—not just symptoms or lab results.

3. Combination of therapies
   Uses both conventional treatments (like medications or surgery) and complementary therapies (like mindfulness, acupuncture, nutrition counseling, breathing techniques, herbal medicine, etc.), as long as they are safe and evidence-informed.

4. Emphasis on prevention and wellness
   Promotes long-term health through lifestyle changes and proactive care, not just symptom management.

5. Evidence-informed decision-making
   Only complementary therapies supported by research or expert consensus are recommended, avoiding pseudoscience or unproven treatments.
   

What conditions do you treat?

We provide care for a range of pulmonary and neuromuscular respiratory conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), neuromuscular weakness, COPD, asthma, chronic cough, recurrent bronchitis, vocal cord dysfunction, and breathing pattern disorders.

What is the care philosophy at IPC?

IPC blends conventional medicine with validated integrative approaches—such as meditation, breathing techniques, nutrition and lifestyle coaching—to treat the whole person across six key domains: body, mind, spirit, social connections, sleep, and nutrition. The model emphasizes unhurried visits, individualized care, and empathetic listening.

Can I try IPC before committing?

Yes—a free 15-minute introductory call with Dr. Sergew is offered. There is no obligation, and it’s meant to help determine if IPC is a good fit for your health goals.

How do I get started?

You can schedule your introductory call directly through the website. After that, you'll choose a care plan that fits your needs