KCTV5.com out of Kansas reports about an alternative to the traditional insurance-based pediatric office. Bloom Pediatrics in Kansas City is offering another way for parents to get healthcare for their children.

The practice, owned and operated by Dr. Lauren Hughes, offers direct primary care. She charges $65-$125 per child per month, depending on a child’s age. For that fee families receive unlimited doctor visits and many other services, such as stitches, strep tests and developmental screenings.

Hughes runs her own clinic, with no receptionist or other employees. She said she also has contracts with other providers to get her patients inexpensive x-rays and prescriptions, when needed. She often makes house calls. 

Dr. Hughes is also the only breast feeding medicine physician in Missouri or Kansas. Dr. Hughes is both and MD and a IBCLC and lactation support is provided with membership.

Hughes compared direct primary care to an “old school” practice. She added that part of the appeal to her as a physician is that she feels like her clients have more access.

“I think most doctors want to be able to do this,” she said. “Primary care and pediatric care can be better. You just have to look for it.”

Again, it is exciting to see doctors bringing their unique skills to their DPC practices.