Questions? Ask away

The questions we hear most.

Direct primary care is a little different from what you may be used to, so here are honest answers to the things people ask before they join. If yours isn't here, just reach out.

FAQs below

Questions? Ask away

The questions we hear most.

Direct primary care is a little different from what you may be used to, so here are honest answers to the things people ask before they join. If yours isn't here, just reach out.

Getting Your Bearings

The Basics

What exactly is direct primary care?

Direct primary care is a simple idea that fixes a broken one. Instead of billing your visits through insurance, you pay Jiva one flat monthly membership. In return, you get unhurried appointments, direct access to Dr. Kakar, and care that answers to you rather than an insurance company. It is the doctor and patient relationship, without the middleman.

How is Jiva different from a regular doctor's office?

Two things, mostly: time and access. Because Jiva doesn't bill insurance, Dr. Kakar keeps her practice small on purpose, which means longer visits, little to no waiting, and the ability to reach her directly when something comes up. You are a patient she knows, not a name on an overbooked schedule.

Who can become a member?

Jiva cares for adults 18 and older. Dr. Kakar is an internal medicine physician, so the practice is built entirely around adult primary care. We do not provide pediatric care or see children.

What's included in my membership?

A great deal. Everyday and urgent visits, telehealth, annual and wellness exams, chronic disease management, hormone and midlife care, medically assisted weight loss, longevity medicine, and in-office testing like EKG and urinalysis, to name a few. You can see the full list on the Services page, and it is all covered by your monthly membership.

Is this the same as concierge medicine?

It shares the spirit, not the price tag. Concierge practices usually charge a large annual retainer and still bill your insurance. Jiva is simply a flat monthly membership, with no retainer and no insurance billing for your primary care.

The Money Questions

Insurance & Cost

How much does membership cost?

Membership is $149/month for individuals, ages 18+ and $249/per couple. There is also a special launch rate of $99/month for the for the first 6 months, (up to 50 patients). No copays for your primary care, and no insurance required.

Do I still need health insurance?

Yes, and we recommend keeping it. Jiva covers your primary care. Insurance is there for the bigger things: specialists, hospital stays, and emergencies. Many members pair their membership with a lower-cost, higher-deductible plan or a health sharing plan to cover those.

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Many members do. That said, eligibility can depend on your specific plan and current rules, so it is worth a quick check with your plan administrator before you assume either way.

Are there any costs beyond the membership?

Your primary care is covered by the flat monthly fee. Things that happen outside the practice, like specialist visits, imaging, hospital care, and prescriptions, are billed separately. Members also get access to discounted lab pricing, which often saves meaningfully over retail.

Joining and Access

Getting Started

I'm healthy and rarely go to the doctor. Is it still worth it?

Often, yes. A lot of the value is in prevention and access: catching small things early, having someone who knows your history, and being able to reach a doctor quickly when you do need one, without a trip to urgent care or the ER. Good primary care tends to pay for itself in the visits you avoid.

How quickly can I be seen?

Quickly. Members get same-day and next-day appointments when something is wrong, and for smaller concerns you can often reach Dr. Kakar by phone, text, secure chat, or video without coming in at all.

Am I locked into a long contract?

No. Membership is month to month, and you can cancel anytime.

How do I join?

Jiva is welcoming its founding members right now. The easiest first step is to reach out through the Contact page and request your spot, and we will follow up personally to get you started.

Other questions?

Still have a question? Just ask.

If what you're looking for isn't here, we're glad to answer it directly. Reach out and we will get right back to you.