The severely time-limited visits of a traditional healthcare practice and insurance company demands made compassionate care of our patients increasingly difficult. At sproutMD, most visits are scheduled for 1/2 to 1 full hour, so we have the time needed to truly address your concerns and answer all questions. If concerns come up after the visit, you can text or email us any time!

We strive to deliver high quality care at an affordable cost, and have been shocked at the staggering rise in the cost for medical care. At sproutMD, the vast majority of the medical care that most individuals need is covered under the monthly membership. The few items that require additional resources and additional cost are reasonably priced and plainly listed upfront, BEFORE you commit to that service or procedure.

Many people we meet are either uninsured or under-insured (their current health insurance does not cover their basic medical needs) and we think that all individuals should have access to the same high quality care regardless of their current coverage. We do still encourage everyone to keep at least basic or high deductible health insurance coverage for emergencies, but we don’t want anyone to fear or delay seeking treatment because they are worried about hidden costs that may get billed to them later. Some employers will allow their employees to use FSA (flexible spending account) or HSA (health savings account) funds to cover your membership fees. DPC practices also work great with HealthShare or MediShare plans which may be a more cost effective alternative to traditional health insurance.

Many other patients have great coverage but cannot access their physicians when needed or cannot get their concerns addressed in a timely fashion. Limited office visits, limited time for appointments, very large patient panels, and delays in returning messages or getting advice can cause major issues as well. This leads to worsening of health conditions, increased risk for complications, and lost work and family time. It has been shown that individuals who see their own physician sooner receive much better care at a more affordable cost compared to urgent care or ER services (if it is not truly an emergency). At sproutMD, all patients have access to same-day or next-day appointments, as well as access to their personal physician by phone, e-mail, and text. No triage protocols, nurse call lines, on-call provider coverage, or waiting days for a callback- just YOU, calling YOUR physician directly. Many concerns can even be handled safely without a visit. Because we don’t have to worry about collecting copays to cover overhead, we are free to address issues over the phone, or by text or e-mail when medically appropriate.

We are also happy to offer some services that would be limited elsewhere, such as IUD and other contraceptive implant placement (which are restricted by many religious-based hospital networks), weight loss medications and treatments (that aren’t otherwise covered by most insurance), and treatments and follow up visits for hormone therapy (which may not be covered by insurance in some situations).

Developing strong patient-physician relationships and providing personalized care with open lines of communication are the biggest keys to improve health and decrease negative outcomes. In addition we get to know our patients and their families better and help us all work toward positive changes in our lives!

Why Sprout?

We wanted a name that embodies new growth, turning over a new leaf, and a nourishing feel. We also wanted an image that lets everyone know that this is a small office – not a large conglomerate medical system. We wanted the practice name and image to embody a more personal feel.

We loved the image of a tiny sprout coming up against all odds, maybe through a small crack in otherwise solid concrete. Under impossible circumstances, in a world dominated by large medical systems with an impersonal feel (like that concrete), that tiny sprout braves its way in the world. We also loved the idea that this little sprout has the potential to change its landscape considerably, just by holding its own. Maybe that sprout will grow into a mighty oak tree in the future, but it is perfectly content with its place in the world right now.

It is also a reference to Dr. Otto’s family and childhood. She grew up in a small farming community in Northeastern Kansas and her grandpa was a farmer (as were many other relatives) and lived a short 3 mile drive down the dusty gravel road from her house in town. Growing up, she spent countless hours playing and helping out on that farm, riding along with Grandpa on the tractor during planting and harvest, helping Grandma plant and tend the garden, and enjoying all the fresh produce. The sprout image brings back these amazing memories from childhood.