Membership-based
Instead of paying for each visit or service through insurance, patients pay a monthly fee (like a subscription) directly to their doctor. This fee typically ranges from $75 to $250 per month, depending on the level of service.
Unlimited Access
This fee covers most of what you would need from a primary care doctor, such as routine check-ups, appointments, and common treatments. Patients can see their doctor as often as needed without extra charges.
No Insurance Billing
DPC practices do not deal with insurance companies for their primary care services. This reduces paperwork and administrative costs, allowing doctors to spend more time focusing on patient care.
More Time with Your Doctor
Because DPC doctors have fewer patients (often a few hundred compared to thousands in traditional practices), they can offer longer appointments and more personalized care. It’s easier to get same-day or next-day appointments, and communication via phone, text, or video is included.
Transparent Costs
Patients know upfront what they’re paying, which makes healthcare costs more predictable. While the membership fee covers primary care services, patients may still need insurance for things like hospital stays, specialist visits, or major surgeries.
Predictable Costs
Pricing
Birth – 2 years old
$149/month
2–6 years old
$119/month
6–18 years old
$99/month
18+ years old
$79/month
Enrollment Fee: $99 per family | Family maximum: $349/mo.
Get to know us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Direct Pediatric Care?
Direct Pediatric Care (DPC) is a model of personalized, convenient, and high-quality care that focuses on the physician-patient relationship. We use technology (test messaging, emailing, online scheduling, virtual visits, etc.) to provide 24/7 access to your physician. The DPC model has the benefit of comprehensive care and convenience through a low membership fee.
Why change to a membership model?
Our fixed price allows our members to budget their healthcare finances, while increasing the quality and convenience of their child’s care. Families with multiple children will appreciate our $350 monthly maximum (no matter how many children are enrolled!).
What is unique about Joyful Pediatrics?
- Direct access to your physician
- Extended appointments
- Customized, in-depth care plans to address the whole child
- No wait times
- Decreased visits to urgent and emergency departments
- Home visits in the first 3 months
What does membership cover?
- Regular Checkups
- Unlimited sick visits (acute and chronic care)
- Virtual care
- In office access to common medications at a discounted price
- Routine vaccinations which bills your insurance
- School/camp/sports physical forms
- Management of minor lacerations (stitches, staples, glue), warts, and other skin conditions
- Developmental and behavioral screenings
- Educational consulting, discussions for school choice, improving learning strategies, home-school communication assistance
- Parenting support and guidance (e.g. nutrition, development, sleep, behavior)
- Evaluation and medical management of chronic pediatric conditions such as eczema, asthma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and more
- Expedited personal referrals to specialist, therapists, etc.
Is a direct care pediatrician necessary for a healthy child?
At Joyful Pediatrics we offer whole-child care, providing much more than just a once a year well child check. We have the time and availability to discuss nutrition, sleep hygiene, and other healthy habits. Our educational specialist is available to discuss school concerns and questions. We offer joint care with behavioral, mental health, and developmental improvement plans from both the medical and educational perspective. Membership gives parents peace of mind so that if they need immediate care, we are here for you.
Our kids don’t get sick often. Is this the right model for us?
Childhood is full of unpredictable illnesses and injuries—bumps, scratches, rashes, and more. Joyful Pediatrics is designed to benefit you through normal life and when the unexpected happens. When your child needs stitches, has a fever, gets sick while out of town, has school difficulties or needs a last-minute sports physical, we are available to provide peace of mind for you and your child.
At a traditional practice, due to the large volume of patients and limited hours, you may be referred to an urgent care or ER for care that could be provided by a pediatrician. A single visit to an ER or urgent care can cost months (or years!) of personalized care at Joyful Pediatrics.
How often should my child see the pediatrician?
As often as you want at no extra charge! If your child is well, we follow the AAP well check guidelines. For the first 3 months of life, your child will be seen in their home, if you prefer. If your child is sick, they should be seen by a pediatrician. You will have the opportunity to text, call, or email Dr. Dovico to see how your child’s condition can be addressed either in person or virtually.
When should I call a pediatrician?
If you have a concern about your child, you should text/email/call us from 8am-10pm. If you have an urgent matter overnight, please call Dr. Dovico directly. For non-urgent matters after hours, please contact us and we will get back to you in the morning.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept credit card, debit card, or direct bank withdrawal monthly payments.
What health insurance plans do you accept?
Joyful Pediatrics does not participate in insurance plans.
Do I still need insurance?
We strongly recommend families have some insurance coverage for significant medical emergencies. Hospital bills can be a burden and insurance should be used for true emergencies. Many patients choose to switch to an insurance plan with lower premiums and/or a high-deductible plan.
Are you taking new patients?
Yes, we currently have availability in our practice. However, space is limited to provide personalized care. If we are at our monthly or yearly limit, families will be on a waitlist and notified when a spot is available.
How far in advance should I schedule my next checkup?
Given the unique model of Joyful Pediatrics, you can schedule your appointment the same week or even the same day. Late afternoon/evening, and weekend appointments are also available, even for well child checks.
Will my child see the same doctor when they come to the office?
Yes, your child will see Dr. Dovico. The only rare exception will be if your physician is sick or on vacation. In those cases, you may see another physician on call.
Can I get advice over the phone?
Yes, as a member you will have Dr. Dovico’s cellphone number to call/text her directly. She will then be able to give advice over the phone or have you come into the clinic, if needed.
How long is the waiting time for appointments?
There is no wait time or very minimal wait time for your visit. You will likely be the only one in the office during your appointment as they are scheduled to be spaced out in advance.
Can membership be cancelled?
Yes, your membership can be canceled at any time provided 30 days’ notice is given.
Do you offer prenatal visits for expectant parents?
Absolutely! We encourage patients to sign up for a free meet and greet (in person or virtual) to ensure we are a good fit and learn more about your family’s needs. Please contact us at hello@joyfuldpc.com to schedule your meeting.
Does Joyful Pediatrics offer a discount for multiple children and larger families?
Yes! We love caring for families of all sizes, so we set a maximum rate of $350/month/family no matter how many children.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
We do not currently, however, this is a goal of Joyful Pediatrics. As we grow, our hope is to offer scholarships to families who would benefit from this level of care.
How do you handle vaccines?
We follow the vaccination schedule approved by the AAP and CDC. We are also able to offer vaccines to the whole family (e.g. Flu clinics) to help children feel more comfortable. We have a quiet environment and numbing and distraction techniques available. Vaccines are an important part of medical care, especially in pediatrics. If you do not feel comfortable with your child receiving vaccines, then Dr. Dovico is not the best fit for your child or family.
What if our child gets sick while we are on vacation?
Call or text us, just like usual. Once we determine the best course of care, we can call-in a prescription, locate the nearest urgent care or ER, and discuss your child’s medical history with a local provider, if necessary.
Do you offer weekend or after-school appointment slots?
Absolutely! We know many families can’t take time off work and school for routine care, so we have flexible evening and weekend hours. We understand that schedules can be complicated and work with families to make sure they receive timely care!
I’m ready to join! What do I do?
Keep up to date on our progress by joining our newsletter.
If you’re not sure and would like a free consultation to decide if Direct Pediatric Care is a good fit for your family, click here.
