Question 1

Why AIK Family Health?

Accepted Answer

AIK Family Health was created with a simple vision: healthcare should feel personal again.  Our practice is built on the idea that every patient deserves time, attention, and a trusted relationship with their physician.

Through our Direct Primary Care model, we remove the barriers of insurance so your doctor can focus entirely on your care.  This allows care to be more accessible, more personalized, and centered on the relationship between patient and physician, bringing back what true family medicine is meant to be.

Question 2

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Accepted Answer

Direct Primary Care is a simple, membership-based model where you pay a monthly fee for full access to your family doctor. No insurance barriers, no rushed visits, and no surprise bills—just personal, attentive care when you need it.

Question 3

How is Direct Primary Care different from Concierge Medicine?

Accepted Answer

True concierge practices typically charge patients a monthly or annual membership fee in addition to billing insurance for visits and services.  While this model may improve access to physicians, it still operates within the insurance system, which can influence care decisions and require insurance approvals for certain treatments or services.

Direct Primary Care is different.  DPC Practices do not bill insurance for primary care services, allowing physicians to focus entirely on patient care without insurance-related restrictions.

At AIK Family Health, our goal is to provide concierge-level access and personalized care without the high cost, delivering high-quality care that is accessible whether or not you carry insurance.

Question 4

How much does a membership cost?

Accepted Answer

Membership is a simple monthly or annual fee with transparent pricing.  You will never pay copays, facility fees, or receive any unexpected bills for services covered under your membership.

For complete pricing information, please review our services and pricing page.

Question 5

Can I use my HSA to pay for my Direct Primary Care membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Beginning January 1st, 2026, federal law allows Direct Primary Care memberships to be paid for using tax-free HSA funds. Click here for more information.

Monthly DPC membership fees are now considered qualified medical expenses, allowing individuals with an HSA to use those funds towards their membership.  Current limits allow up to $150 per month for individuals and $300 per month for families to be paid using HSA funds.

This update also confirms that a DPC membership does not count as insurance, meaning patients can maintain a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and continue contributing to their HSA while enjoying the benefits of Direct Primary Care.

This combination allows many patients to pair their DPC for every day primary care with their insurance for major medical events, while using pre-tax HSA dollars to help cover the cost of their membership.

Question 6

What’s included in my membership?

Accepted Answer

Your membership covers most of your primary care needs, including:

Unlimited Visits
Same/next-day appointments, with longer 30-60 minute visits
Direct access to Dr. Patel via text, phone, and video access
Preventative  & Wellness Care
Chronic condition management
Newborn/pediatric care
Access to discounted rates for labs and imaging
Minor in-office procedures
Ongoing support whenever something comes up

No copays, no surprise bills, and no insurance obstacles.

Question 7

Are labs, imaging, and medications included?

Accepted Answer

Labs and Imaging are offered at significantly discounted, transparent prices. You’ll know the cost upfront, no surprises, no hidden fees. We also offer in-office medications when available at significantly discounted prices.

Question 8

What ages do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We are proud to serve patients of all ages - from newborns to older adults and everyone in between.

Question 9

Do you care for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AIK Family Health provides gentle, attentive care for Newborns, infants, children, and teens, including well-child visits, sick visits, and school/sports physicals.

Question 10

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do not participate with any insurance.  All visits are covered under your membership. Additional services needed outside of your membership that may require additional fees such as labs, imaging, and medications will be offered with transparent, upfront pricing, so you know the cost before moving forward.

If you choose you may still use your insurance for outside services such as laboratory testing, imaging, or prescriptions, if covered by your plan.

Question 11

Do I still need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we recommend keeping insurance for things outside our clinic—like ER visits, hospitalizations, specialist visits, and major medical events. Your DPC membership covers your primary care needs, while insurance covers the rest.

Many members pair their DPC membership with a lower cost High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), a catastrophic health plan, or a health sharing ministry (healthshare) plan.  In this arrangement, your DPC membership covers most everyday primary care needs, while the insurance or healthshare plan acts as a financial safety net for unexpected or major medical expenses.

Question 12

What if I have Medicare or Illinois Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

At this time, AIK Family Health is unable to enroll individuals who are Medicare or Illinois Medicaid beneficiaries. This policy may change in the future.

If you are interested in joining the practice in the future, we invite you to join our waitlist, and we will reach out with additional information if we become able to welcome these patients.

Question 13

How do I reach Dr. Patel?

Accepted Answer

You can call, text, e-mail, secure message, or schedule a video chat with  him directly. No phone trees, no layers of staff, no long waits. When you reach out, he’s the one who answers.

Question 14

What if I need care outside of office hours?

Accepted Answer

As a member, you have direct access to Dr. Patel through phone, text, email, secure messaging.  For non-urgent concerns you should accept a response within 1-2 business days. However, for medical emergencies, call 911 or proceed to your nearest urgent care emergency department.

Question 15

What if I need to see a specialist?

Accepted Answer

Although we seek to provide thorough, conscientious care, and seek to reduce the need for specialty referrals, when specialty services are required, Dr. Patel will help you find the right specialist, coordinate the referral, and follow up afterward. You won’t be navigating that process alone.

Question 16

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no minimum commitment. When you sign up, your first month is prorated, and you can cancel whenever you need to—no pressure, no long-term contracts. Should you choose to return after cancellation, we would be happy to have you back, however, there will be a re-enrollment fee.

Question 17

What if I’m not ready to join?

Accepted Answer

No problem at all. You can schedule a free meet and greet to see if AIK Family Health is the right fit for you and your family. No rush, just a conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions