DR. KIMBERLY LEGG CORBA - MAY 19, 2016
Dr. Kimberly Legg Corba was the speaker at the May 19 meeting of Emmaus Rotary Club. She shared information about the Direct Primary Care approach to delivering health care. In the Direct Primary Care model, practices do not accept medical insurance. Instead, patients pay monthly membership fees for a broad array of medical services, as well as drastically discounted prices for most prescription drugs and diagnostic tests. Without the documentation burdens and care restrictions imposed by insurance companies, patients have direct access to the physician for a more personal and affordable care experience. The Direct Primary Care approach is growing quickly throughout the country, particularly in the Midwest and Mountain states.
After practicing for 15 years in the Lehigh Valley, Dr. Corba opened the first Direct Primary Care office in the Lehigh Valley in January 2016. She already has over 200 members and is working toward a target membership of 450. Dr. Corba shared examples of savings her practice provides on routine lab tests and an extensive array of prescription drugs. In response to questions from club members, Dr. Corba was clear that the Direct Primary Care model does not replace insurance. Patients are encouraged to carry a high deductible or major medical plan or a plan with a health savings account, thereby ensuring financial help if hospitalization or referral to a specialist is necessary.