The Discovery Call: What to Expect

TL;DR: Choosing a doctor is a deeply personal decision. That is why we offer a complimentary 30-minute discovery call. This is a no-pressure, get-to-know-you conversation with Dr. Ash to explore your goals, share your story, and decide if our relationship-based approach is the right fit for your life. The discovery call is also a practical step. Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a different model than what most patients have experienced, and it helps to walk through how it works in real life before signing up.

Table of Contents

• Why We Do Discovery Calls
• What We Cover in 30 Minutes
• What This Call is NOT
• Guidelines from the Clinic
• Common Questions
• Deep Questions

Why do we offer discovery calls?

We offer discovery calls because most patients have never met their doctor before showing up in a paper gown. We use the call to build trust, audit fit, and answer logistics before any commitment.

• Build Trust: So you can see how we communicate and think.
• Audit Fit: To make sure your medical needs line up with our Scope of Practice.
• Answer Logistics: Address questions about pricing, access, and insurance early.

What do we cover in 30 minutes?

We cover four areas in 30 minutes: your story, your goals, the Fishtown Medicine model, and a brief diagnostic roadmap.

1. Your Story: What have you tried in the past? What has felt missing from your care?
2. Your Goals: Are you focused on longevity, managing complex chronic illness, or just easier access and better communication?
3. The FTM Model: How same-day texting, home visits, and advanced lab reviews work in your daily life.
4. The Diagnostic Roadmap: A brief overview of how we would approach your initial evaluation.

What is this call NOT?

This call is not a medical visit, a sales pitch, or a paid service. To protect your safety and maintain clinical integrity, there are clear boundaries.

• Not a Medical Visit: We cannot provide diagnoses, prescribe new medications, or order labs during this introductory call.
• Not a Pressure Tactic: If we do not believe we are the right fit for your needs, we will tell you honestly and help you find a better alternative in Philadelphia.
• Zero Cost: This call is entirely free.

Guidelines from the Clinic

Key Takeaways

• Complimentary 30-minute introductory phone or video call.
• Focused on goals, fit, and logistics.
• No medical advice or prescriptions given during this call.
• A chance to meet Dr. Ash before committing to a membership.

Scientific References

1. Eskew PM, Klink K. "Direct Primary Care: Practice Distribution and Cost Across the Nation." Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2015.
2. Frosch DL, et al. "Shared decision making in clinical medicine: past research and future directions." American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 1999.
3. Beach MC, Inui T. "Relationship-centered care: a constructive reframing." Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2006.

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Dr. Ash is a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in preventive medicine and healthspan optimization at Fishtown Medicine in Philadelphia.

Medical Disclaimer: This resource provides clinical context for educational purposes. In the world of Precision Medicine, there is no "one size fits all"; the right plan must be matched to your unique lab work, physiology, and goals. Consult Dr. Ash to determine if this approach is right for you, especially if you have chronic health conditions or are taking prescription medications.