Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Send us a message – we’re happy to help.

What is direct primary care (DPC)?

Direct primary care is a model where you pay your doctor directly – no insurance middleman. Instead of billing insurers, we charge straightforward, transparent fees for our time. This lets us spend more time with each patient, keep costs predictable, and focus entirely on your care rather than paperwork.

What's the difference between a resident and a fully board-certified doctor?

After graduating from medical school, physicians enter residency – a multi-year training program where they practice medicine under supervision while building specialized expertise. A board-certified family physician has completed residency and passed their board certification exam. A resident is further along in that journey but hasn't yet crossed the finish line.

In Utah, only second-year (and beyond) family medicine residents are eligible to moonlight – meaning see patients outside of their residency program. Every physician at Zion Family Medicine meets that standard. Importantly, Utah moonlighting residents hold a full, unrestricted medical license – the same license a board-certified attending physician holds. This is not a training permit or a limited license.

What this means for you: your doctor has completed medical school, passed all required licensing exams, holds a full Utah medical license, and is actively practicing family medicine every day in a supervised residency setting. The practical difference from a board-certified physician is that the board exam hasn't been taken yet – not that the training, licensure, or capability is lacking.

Who are the doctors at Zion Family Medicine?

Our physicians are family medicine residents – fully licensed MD/DO doctors completing their residency training in Utah. Residents are not students; they are practicing physicians with full prescribing authority who provide care under appropriate attending physician supervision. Residency is where doctors build depth: high patient volume, complex cases, and constant learning. You get a doctor who is engaged, up-to-date, and genuinely motivated to spend time with you.

Do I need health insurance to be a patient?

No. Our practice is entirely cash-pay and does not bill insurance. Anyone can become a patient regardless of their insurance status. That said, we strongly recommend maintaining a separate health insurance or catastrophic coverage plan for emergencies, hospitalizations, and specialist care – things outside the scope of primary care.

Who do you see? Do you treat children?

We are a family medicine practice, so we care for patients of all ages – from children to older adults. If you’re unsure whether we’re the right fit for a specific concern, just reach out and we’ll let you know.

Which states do you serve?

We are currently licensed to see patients in Utah. To be seen as a patient, you must be physically located in Utah at the time of your appointment.

How do virtual appointments work?

Appointments are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video. After booking, you’ll receive a link to join your visit. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone. Visits are never rushed – we schedule enough time to actually address your concerns.

What are your hours?

We see patients after 5:00 PM on weekdays and all day on Saturdays. These hours are intentional – we want to make it easy to see a doctor without having to take time off work. If you have questions about availability, just reach out.

Can you prescribe medications?

Yes. Our resident physicians have full prescribing authority and can prescribe medications, including controlled substances where clinically appropriate and permitted by state law. We can send prescriptions directly to your preferred pharmacy and help you find the most affordable option.

Can you order lab work or imaging?

Yes – we can order labs, imaging, and referrals just like any primary care physician. Keep in mind that the cost of lab work and imaging is billed separately by the facility or lab. We’re happy to help you find affordable options, including cash-pay lab services that are often much cheaper than insurance-billed rates.

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Yes. Most of our services are eligible for payment with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Check with your plan administrator if you have questions about specific services.

What conditions do you treat?

We handle a broad range of primary care needs, including:

  • Acute illnesses (infections, colds, flu, rashes, UTIs, etc.)
  • Chronic condition management (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid, etc.)
  • Preventive care and annual wellness visits
  • Medication management and prescription renewals
  • Mental health support (anxiety, depression – initial evaluation and management)
  • Women’s health (contraception, preconception counseling)
  • Pediatric wellness visits and sick care

For conditions that require in-person evaluation, advanced imaging, or specialist expertise, we’ll coordinate a referral to the right provider.

What happens if I have a medical emergency?

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Zion Family Medicine is a primary care practice and does not provide emergency services. Please do not use our contact form or messaging for urgent or life-threatening situations.

How do I book an appointment?

Use the contact form on our home page to reach out, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to set up your visit. Online self-scheduling is coming soon.