09/03/2026
Did you know the average doctor's appointment lasts just 7-10 minutes? Here's why, and how we're changing that for our patients.
Insurance reimbursement rates go down every year. That forces primary care doctors to pack their schedules, see as many patients as possible, and rush through every visit. It's not what doctors want, it's what the insurance system demands.
At Emerald Health Direct Primary Care in downtown Hickory, we've opted out of that system entirely. We charge a simple monthly cash fee that covers all your primary care needs: no per-visit billing, no co-pays, no rushing.
What that means for you:
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Same-day or next-day appointments
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Telehealth visits
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Direct messaging with your doctor
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A physician who has time to actually listen
We still recommend keeping insurance for emergencies, surgeries, and imaging, but for everyday primary care, we've got you covered.
Curious? Give us a call and we'll walk you through exactly how Direct Primary Care works.
π Emerald Health Direct Primary Care - Downtown Hickory, NC