It is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by removing the restrictions that makes traditional practices constrained.

Find out more here.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences. Concierge practices usually bill insurance similar to traditional medical offices, while also charging patients an additional "concierge" fee for enhanced access or services. Direct Primary Care (DPC), on the other hand, prioritizes the patient above all else—offering care exactly when it's needed, avoiding rushed appointments, and actively managing personalized healthcare plans. True to its name, the DPC model emphasizes a direct relationship between doctor and patient. DPC clinics typically don't accept insurance; instead, they partner directly with patients, offering benefits such as wholesale lab testing, significantly discounted medications, and other cost-saving measures.

We provide comprehensive routine Family Medicine services and many additional office based procedures. 

You can access the full list of included and additional services by following the link to our Services page.

We offer healthcare services through a simple monthly membership model. You can find more details on our Pricing page.

All membership payments are processed securely via ACH transfer or credit card. Patients can conveniently set up payments using their checking,savings account or credit card information through the encrypted billing platform in their secure patient portal.

Absolutely. Everyone deserves care tailored specifically to their needs—that’s why we offer healthcare that's refreshingly different. While we're always ready to address your immediate concerns, we believe proactive care is essential for lasting health, and that's our specialty.

We take the time needed to truly listen, while also saving you valuable time. No more waiting weeks for an appointment or sitting endlessly in waiting rooms. We provide convenient care through traditional office visits, phone calls, emails, or video chats—whatever suits your situation best, whenever and wherever you need us.

Office hours are generally 9 AM – 4 PM and by appointment only.

Portal messages are checked at least once daily, Monday through Friday—even on days when your Dr. Sankoorikal is "out"—to handle urgent concerns promptly.

Just like our patients, we also value family time, rest, and vacations. Taking this time helps us stay refreshed, happy, and able to provide you with excellent care. If Dr. Sankoorikal plans an extended absence, you'll receive advance notice to address non-urgent issues (such as medication refills) beforehand. We do not guarantee 24/7/365 availability; during vacations or extended absences, patients may occasionally need to use an Urgent Care facility for acute concerns.

No, at SanFam Med we don't bill or accept health insurance. By eliminating the hassles and overhead associated with insurance, we can focus entirely on providing you with affordable, high-quality care. Our appointments typically last 30 to 60 minutes, allowing us to truly get to know you, understand your health goals, and help you achieve them.

No.

Patients may submit dispensed medication and self-pay lab or procedure invoices from SanFam Med for FSA or HSA reimbursement for eligible expenses. 

No. We strongly recommend maintaining health insurance for unexpected or major medical events, such as surgery, advanced diagnostic testing, hospitalization, heart attack, stroke, or cancer treatment.

At SanFam Med, our focus is on primary healthcare—emphasis on care. We're able to handle 80–90% of your healthcare needs, from preventive care to managing chronic conditions, all within a hassle-free, personalized environment.

Many patients choose to keep their traditional insurance and also enroll in a DPC membership for better access to their physician and additional savings on labs, medications, and time. Others combine DPC with a high-deductible insurance plan and a Health Savings Account (HD/HSA), reducing monthly premiums while still protecting against significant healthcare expenses. Additionally, small businesses or self-funded employers might incorporate DPC into their employee health plans.

Patients can still use their insurance outside of SanFam Med for labs, medications, imaging**, specialist referrals ordered by Dr. Sankoorikal, as well as for urgent care visits, emergency care, and hospitalizations or surgeries.

Patients should become familiar with their insurance network’s preferred systems for tests and referrals. Note that local health systems may restrict services from outside physician orders to certain facilities (for example, labs may need to be completed at hospital outpatient locations).

Patients with high-deductible insurance plans often find significant cost savings by paying directly at independent radiology centers.

SanFam Med is not responsible for any deductibles or co-insurance costs for services obtained outside our clinic.

Important note for HMO plans:
These restrictive insurance plans often require patients to see an in-network provider to obtain prior authorization for certain services (like CT scans or MRIs), even if Dr. Sankoorikal considers them necessary.

Due to this, some SanFam Med members with HMO coverage may be required to maintain a relationship with an insurance-based clinician to handle situations requiring prior authorization.

Due to current Medicare rules and obligations Dr. Sankoorikal is not able to directly contract with patients participating in Medicare for services provided. Because of this, Dr. Sankoorikal is accepting a small cohort of patients with Medicare. Please call the office or send an email for more information

Please Note:
We are unable to accept patients with Medicare Advantage plans. These plans are highly restrictive, operating much like an HMO, and would limit our ability to provide you with comprehensive care. Medicare Advantage plans typically require you to see contracted in-network providers for tests, referrals, and other services, which can interfere with the continuity and flexibility of your care at SanFam Med.

Membership Includes:

• All communication and visits without copays (secure messaging, phone, video or office visit)

• Access to discounted self-pay labs and diagnostics, generic meds dispensed from office (if prescribed and managed by Dr. Sankoorikal), office procedures, local independent radiology services. 

Membership Terms

• Family medicine services are limited to members-only; this ensures timely access for our members

• Members may cancel with 30 days notice; re-enrollment fee may apply to return to membership and is not guaranteed

• Membership billing is monthly (1st or 15th of each month), paid via ACH autodraft from checking or savings account or credit card (secure/encrypted billing platform w/in patient portal).

• The practice may dismiss patients at any time with 30 days notice in the rare event of contract breach, delinquent membership payments, or non-therapeutic patient physician relationship.

• Primary communication is through portal messaging. Dr. Sankoorikal is often taking care of scheduled patients or may be away from the office for administrative duties and cannot always answer the phone promptly. The portal allows secure messaging for private health communication.

• There may be times that the office/portal messaging is closed for physician vacation time: patients will be notified ahead of time for any of these “hard closures”. Weeks between Christmas and New Years are virtual-only weeks for acute needs. 

• Not every visit that is available for scheduling will show in the patient portal – this is to allow us to triage and accommodate visits when acute needs arise. Please message us if you have acute symptoms so we can sort out the best plan of care.

Because illness and injury don't always happen during regular office hours, you may call or text Dr. Sankoorikal after hours for triage of urgent health needs. When needed and as schedules allow, home visits and after-hours urgent visits may also be available. You can always access your medical records and message your physician through our secure patient portal—it’s part of our commitment to truly personalized care.

Are we available 24/7/365?
Not exactly. As primary care physicians, we can manage most health concerns, most of the time. We’re also committed to keeping healthcare affordable and sustainable. We're building something different here—care that’s meaningful, lasting, and based on a true partnership between physician and patient.

In a world of instant access and constant connectivity, we are intentionally striving for balance. We encourage patients to reach out when they need us, but also to allow non-urgent matters to wait for regular clinic hours when possible. This gives us the time to recharge and unplug with our families—something we believe is essential for both our own wellbeing and for providing the best care possible.

Another great benefit of being part of a DPC practice!
Because we operate independently of third-party insurance restrictions, our patients enjoy the flexibility of receiving care when and where they need it.

Since we know you well, we can often streamline your care even when you're away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated through a simple phone call, email, text, or video visit. We'll find a nearby pharmacy and arrange for the medications you need based on your situation. And if an in-person visit is necessary while you're traveling, we may be able to connect you with a trusted DPC colleague in the area to continue your care.

By offering exceptional care and unparalleled access, our goal is to prevent or minimize the need for hospitalizations and specialist referrals. However, when those services are necessary, we can coordinate closely with your hospitalist during your stay and with any specialists involved in your care. Depending on the complexity of your condition and the expertise needed, we may sometimes rely on these specialized providers to guide and manage specific aspects of your treatment.

No. Our patients do not wait for their appointments. Because we do not see patients every 15-20 minutes, we see our patients on time. We also routinely have same-day or next-day appointments when acute health issues arise for our patients. 

We believe in the benefits, safety and science of vaccination. Patients are strongly encouraged to keep immunizations up to date. We will help you track which vaccines are recommended and when. 

Pending supply access, SanFam Med may have Influenza and Tetanus vaccines available for on-site administration via self-pay. We cannot submit to insurance plans for payment coverage. Nationally, there are challenges securing individual quantities of routine vaccines for small independent clinics. 

Due to the above we currently are unable to provide routine childhood vaccinations but will happily help coordinate this for your family.

Families have several options:

• Uninsured:  free/discounted vaccination through Public Health Department such as for Mississippi County Health Departments

• Insured:  vaccination at an insurance based clinic

• Insured:  vaccination at a local pharmacy (check insurance coverage and age restrictions)