Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Healthy Roots MD?
Healthy Roots MD is a Direct Primary Care practice serving the North Charleston, SC region. We provide family medical care that’s culturally sensitive, thorough, accessible and affordable.
2. What sets Healthy Roots MD apart from other practices?
At Healthy Roots MD, our aim is for every patient to be empowered to achieve optimal health. We provide full-scope family medicine/primary care services that utilize evidence based healthy lifestyle medicine treatments to achieve whole-person health optimization..
3. What is Direct Primary Care?
4. What is Disease prevention/reversal via Lifestyle medicine-based treatments?
“Lifestyle medicine is the use of evidence-based lifestyle therapeutic intervention—including a whole food, plant-predominant eating pattern, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connection—as a primary modality, delivered by clinicians trained and certified in this specialty, to prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic disease.” -ACLM
5. Do you take Insurance?
No. We don't bill insurance. Healthy Roots MD members pay an affordable monthly fee directly to Healthy Roots MD for our healthcare services. Typically, up to 90% of a person's healthcare needs can be met by their primary care physician.
6. What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist? Will I still need health insurance?
Urgent Care visits, emergency department visits, specialist care and hospitalizations are not included in your Healthy Roots MD membership. We recommend a medical health-share plan, or a high deductible health insurance coverage plan with a health savings account to ensure financial help if a hospitalization or specialist referral become necessary.
7. “If I have Medicare, can I still join Healthy Roots MD?”
Yes, Healthy Roots MD is contracting directly with Medicare and Medicare-eligible patients at this time.
8. Can children become members of Healthy Roots MD?
Yes. We are happy to accept children (age 3 years and up) if a parent is also a Healthy Roots MD member. We do not provide routine vaccinations for young children, but we will help locate a local provider for any recommended vaccines.
9. Can I contact my physician after hours? And how?
Yes! All members are provided Dr. McDonald's direct cell phone number and email address for communication. Members are advised to call Dr. McDonald for appropriate after-hours medical concerns that can not wait until regular business hours. Please Call 911 if experiencing a medical emergency.
10. How will I know if Healthy Roots MD is right for me?
Come chat with us! Schedule a free 15 min Meet & Greet with Dr. McDonald Today.
We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have.