Welcome to University Personal Physicians, a medical practice that offers comprehensive, patient-focused internal medicine care. We are a direct access practice.
As a patient of University Personal Physicians, you will have direct access to your doctor 24/7. Our courteous staff, not an answering machine, greet phone calls during office hours. After hours, call the office exchange to be routed to the provider on call or the provider’s cell phone for urgent needs.
What is direct access?
A direct access practice offers amenities and benefits that would not be possible under current systems. By accepting a smaller number of patients, we are able to provide our patients with convenient access to their physician and personalized care in a discreet environment.
We limit the number of patients we see so that we can focus on your needs without rushing through appointments.
For an annual fee for care and covered services, we offer patients exceptional primary care without the inconvenience of insurance claims or co-payments. Included in this fee are all office visits and coordination of patient care during hospital stays at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. A full annual exam, routine flu and tetanus vaccines, and basic office testing such as EKGs and oxygen evaluations are also included.
Should you require hospitalization, we will monitor your medical care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Through our affiliation with Washington University Clinical Associates, we offer expert coordination of services between Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University specialists.
Benefits of a “Direct Access” Model practice:
- 24/7 access to your doctor – in office during regular hours or call the office exchange to have your call routed to the provider on call on weekends and holidays. Calls to the provider cell phone should be used for urgent matters. If not accessible by cell phone, an answering service will page the physician.
- Same day or next day urgent appointments
- Minimal, if any, wait times
- Limited number of patients
- Full annual physical exam – Not all patients require an annual exam, but when indicated, this comprehensive review will help us monitor your personal health goals and take preventative action to ensure your good health.
- Coordination of hospital care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- Routine flu and tetanus vaccines when available
- Notification of test results by phone, mail or email
- No automated phone system in the office – a prompt and helpful office staff will answer your call during office hours
- Access to the doctor by e-mail (only for non-urgent issues and upon written authorization)
- Out-of-town friends or family who develop a simple medical problem while visiting a practice member can be seen in the office for a small fee without an annual membership.
- Most simple medical forms will be filled out promptly and without additional charge
- Electrocardiograms included (EKG)
- Oxygen Assessments included (saturation)
- On-site blood drawing (when available)
- Use of AI for taking notes (if consent is obtained)