Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Do I have to live in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

You need to be physically located in North Carolina at the time of your visit. I'm licensed here, and that's what licensure requires. If you live in NC and travel occasionally, we'll talk about how to handle care while you're away.

Question 2

Do I still need health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and I'd encourage it. Membership covers your primary care. It does not cover emergencies, hospitalization, surgery, or specialist treatment. Most members pair membership with a high-deductible or catastrophic plan, I handle everything routine, insurance covers the rare and expensive.

Question 3

Is this health insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. This is not health insurance. It's a direct agreement between you and your physician for primary care services.

Question 4

What if I need to be examined in person?

Accepted Answer

Some things require hands. When that's the case I tell you directly, help you find where to go, and coordinate your care afterward. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Question 5

How do labs work?

Accepted Answer

I order them electronically to a draw site near you. You go in, they draw, results come to me. You pay our published wholesale price with no markup, and we review the results together.

Question 6

How does imaging work?

Accepted Answer

I refer you to a facility near you and send your records ahead. If you're paying cash, I'll help you find the price first, the difference between facilities is often substantial.

Question 7

Can you prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sent electronically to your usual pharmacy. Refills on established medications don't require an appointment.

Question 8

Can you prescribe controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

No. This practice does not prescribe controlled substances, including ADHD stimulants, most anxiety medications, and controlled pain medications. If you need that care, I'll help you find the right local provider.

Question 9

How quickly will you respond?

Accepted Answer

Messages within one business day, usually much sooner. Urgent issues the same day. Appointments same or next business day.

Question 10

Can I message you instead of scheduling a visit?

Accepted Answer

Members can message me directly, and it's included at no extra charge. It's meant as a convenience between visits, when something needs real evaluation, we get on video, often the same day.

Question 11

Do you see children?

Accepted Answer

Ages 6 and up. Children under 6 are better served by an in-person pediatrician, because young children change quickly and the physical exam carries most of the diagnosis. I'm glad to help you find one.

Question 12

Can a teenager have their own membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ages 13-17. A parent or legal guardian signs the agreement and is the payer.

Question 13

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Accepted Answer

HSA, yes. Direct primary care became HSA-eligible on January 1, 2026, up to $150 per month for an individual and $300 for a family. For FSA, check with your plan administrator, as rules vary.

Question 14

Is my information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All visits and messages run through a HIPAA-compliant platform with encrypted storage and transmission. Your records are yours, and you can request a copy at any time.

Question 15

What if I want to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Cancel anytime with written notice. If you rejoin more than 60 days later, a rejoin fee applies.

Question 16

What does a visit cost?

Accepted Answer

Nothing beyond your membership. No copays, no per-visit charges, no bill afterward. Labs and medications are billed separately at cost.

Question 17

How many patients do you take?

Accepted Answer

Far fewer than a typical practice. That's the point, it's what makes same-day access possible. Membership closes when the panel fills.

Question 18

Do you treat depression and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depression and anxiety are among the most common things family physicians manage, and we treat them as part of your primary care: screening, diagnosis, first-line medication such as an SSRI, and follow-up to see how you are doing. What we do not provide is therapy or specialty psychiatric care. If you would benefit from counseling, or if your condition is more complex than first-line treatment can handle, we will help you find the right clinician and work alongside them. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 rather than messaging us.

Question 19

Can you prescribe my ADHD medication or anxiety medication?

Accepted Answer

Not if it is a controlled substance. We do not prescribe anything in DEA Schedules II through V, which includes stimulants for ADHD and benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin. Dr. Richardson does not hold a DEA registration, so this is structural rather than a decision about you. We can prescribe non-controlled medications for anxiety, and we will help you find a physician for anything we cannot provide.

Question 20

What if I need a shot, a physical, or a procedure?

Accepted Answer

Because we are entirely virtual, we cannot give vaccines or perform procedures or physical examinations. What we can do is tell you exactly where to get them near you, order what you need, review the results with you, and keep everything in one place. Many members use us for the thinking and a local clinic for the hands-on parts.