Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative alternative payment model in primary care whose defining element is an enduring and trusting relationship between patient and physician. The patients pay the doctors directly for their services with a simple flat monthly fee.

Pennington Primary Care is Rock Hill's first Direct Care practice. We offer a pattern of family healthcare that is immediate, thorough, comprehensive, specific, easily affordable, and very, very personal.

Not exactly. Similar to conciege, Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model focused on putting the patient first. That means treating them when they need it, never rushing patients through appointments, and being proactive with healthcare treatment plans. With Direct Primary Care, the doctor-patient relationship is just as the name suggests – direct. Unlike concierge, Direct Primary Care practices don’t accept insurance, rather they choose to work directly with the patient, providing affordable labs, deeply discounted prescription prices, and other costs savings along the way.

We have cut the red tape of bureaucracy. The restrictions that typically leave physicians in a traditional healthcare setting buried in nonsense paperwork are lifted through Direct Care, allowing us to spend our time where it really counts: with patients. In refusing to recognize any interference with the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, we have returned family practice medicine to its root values of clinical excellence for and compassionate knowledge of every patient. In every aspect of family healthcare, and custom healthcare, we promise accessibility, convenience, and affordability.

Of course. We might argue that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer truly custom healthcare. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health, to the enhancements of your daily experience that only physical well-being can bring. We’re here for your reactive needs. But proactive healthcare is important, and we’re here for that, too. At Pennington Primary Care, we have the gift of time. Even better? We get to give the gift of time. Large amounts of precious, irretrievable time given to you as you wish. Every visit, for whatever reason, will be easygoing in its absolute thoroughness, relaxed in answering your questions and addressing the need of the moment. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive, intimate knowledge of your health, invaluable understanding available in no other regimen of care.

We do not accept insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid; however, we strongly suggest that you continue to carry and pay for insurance. Some specialized tests, hospitalizations and medical specialists will require you to have insurance. Our program covers all the basics of your everyday care and gives you everyday access to Dr. Pennington and her staff,while allowing you to save money on out-of-pocket expenses for those things not covered by your insurance. Furthermore, this direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.

Yes. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. We’re happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.

Yes. You need only to sign a waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover hospitalizations or any laboratory testing, imaging and medications not provided at a discount for cash pricing by our office.

Unfortunately, no. Your retainer is not yet defined as a “medical expense” in most states and as such is not deductible. Please confer with your tax consultant to clarify tax consequences in your particular circumstances.

In providing superb care with unprecedented sorts of access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay as well as work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.

Yes. We are happy to accept the children (2 to 22 years of age) of our enrolled clients. At this time, we are not able to provide routine vaccinations for young children but we will happily work with you to arrange these.

By all means, yes. Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may contact your physician after hours. It’s how we do custom healthcare.

Naturally we provide such care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of Pennington Primary Care's independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text or webcam. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.

We maintain scrupulous standards of privacy. We are never obligated to provide any third party with a copy of your records unless you specifically ask that we do so.

An annual physical, discounted lab work, unlimited doctor appointments throughout the year at no additional cost, electronic visits and home visits when appropriate, and basic prescriptions for pennies on the dollar compared to pharmacies. Please see our Services page for a more extensive list of included benefits and services.