Horizons Direct Primary Care

03/31/2026

Heart disease and stroke continue to be the most significant causes of death and disability in the US. How do we prevent these diseases before they happen? Let's talk about it!

There are multiple tests which we use to determine people's risk for heart disease and stroke. The one most people are familiar with is cholesterol (or lipids) but there is now a rising awareness about additional tests we can uses to determine overall risk including lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein B, and high sensitivity CRP. Those at intermediate risk can also get a coronary calcium scan which checks for early plaque build up in the artery walls. Once we determine risk of disease, we can discuss treatment options such as lifestyle changes (weight loss, diet changes, regular exercise, and avoidance of to***co use) and medications.

A personalized approach is care is essential when determining risk of disease as well as treatment options. That's why at Horizons Direct Primary Care we:
-spend the extra time talking about testing options and test results and what they mean for health
-work closely with patients on their lifestyle goals
-work collaboratively with patients to fit their personal goals and needs

03/27/2026

Have a Coffee. Take a Seat. Come on In.

Welcome to Horizons Direct Primary Care.

03/11/2026

Did you know that you can use HSA money to pay for Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership fees?

This means that the money you spend on a direct primary care membership is pre-tax, offering further savings.

For example:
•$100/month DPC membership
•If paid from an HSA and you're in a 24% tax bracket
•Effective after-tax cost ≈ $76/month

Direct Primary Care memberships are also highly compatible with HSA plans since pricing is fixed and transparent.

Personalized care for an affordable price.
Experience the difference.

👍💰

02/26/2026

Did you know that Direct Primary Care not only provides comprehensive care, better access, and higher satisfaction, but also saves patients money?

Check out the study below by Mending Health Insurance which shows that investing in relationship-based primary care lowers overall costs and drives meaningful savings even with age and risk adjustment.

☑️36% lower total medical costs
☑️$168 saved per member per month
☑️Over $25 million saved

This isn't surprising given that Direct Primary Care and a strong relationship with a primary care physician means:

✅ more comprehensive preventative care
✅ less hospitalizations and ED visits
✅ better chronic disease management

We need a system which supports meaningful primary care for not only better health outcomes for patients but overall system wide savings. Direct Primary Care is a step in that direction.

01/22/2026

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/health/health-beat/direct-primary-care-maine-gains-popularity-personalized-health-services/97-244ee7d3-a739-460e-b082-31408e44fe2a?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHupYuApkCcGiPS-GYnXEIO9P6IqKm7wIN3ywpANaYY7aCjneeah72_pidSkS_aem_LC8OMlFvCCmb6A_Wt3Mi3Q #

With rising medical costs, the direct primary care model is gaining traction in Maine.

06/03/2025

It's tick season in Maine! Maine is a high risk area of the country for Lyme disease so we need to be extra cautious about preventing tick bites. But what do we do once we find that we've been bit by a tick? Many people do not realize that under certain circumstances, people who are asymptomatic (or without symptoms) may need antibiotic therapy after a tick bite. Check out this helpful CDC guide to Lyme disease prevention after a tick bite:
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/resources/pdfs/lyme-pep-low-ink-p.pdf

Of course, anytime there are symptoms (bullseye rash or flu-like symptoms including fevers, muscle aches, fatigue) it is important to consult a doctor as a more extensive course of antibiotics is likely needed.

At Horizons Direct Primary Care, we pride ourselves on excellent same day availability and direct communication with your doctor. So tick bite or otherwise, you can be seen and your concerns can be addressed.

03/23/2025

https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/23/doctors-patients-finding-relief-by-switching-to-direct-primary-care-physicians/

Though providers and patients in direct primary care prefer the model, it does not replace all medical services.

03/17/2025

02/23/2025

Right now we’re at the height of cold and flu season. When we're sick and wanting to feel better, picking a cold medicine can feel daunting and confusing, especially for those with chronic health issues or on prescription medications. Watch this video for a quick guide to picking out the right cold medicine for your symptoms.

Please note that this advice is specifically for non-pregnant adults. Also, anyone with chronic conditions or on prescription medications should consult a doctor before choosing over-the-counter cold medications. Lastly, over-the-counter cold medicines should never be given to children under 4 and only with guidance from a doctor for children 4-6.

01/02/2025

12/04/2024

Did you know that on average, children under age six catch 6-10 colds per year? That number can be even higher for children who attend daycare or school. Over-the-counter cold medications shouldn’t be given to children under seven, so what can we do to help our little ones feel better when they’re under the weather?

Join Dr. Michelle Garcia, MD at Raise Playspace in Scarborough on Saturday December 7th for a 30 minute session at 10am followed by Q&A morning session for tips on natural and effective approaches to managing the symptoms of cold and flu in children.

NOTE: This session was originally scheduled in November but was postponed after I caught pneumonia from my 3 year old daughter. I couldn't help but appreciate the irony 😅 We're healthy and ready to go for this Saturday though, looking forward to seeing you then!