Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is your "Why"?

    1. You deserve unconditional, high-quality, personalized attention,

    2. With easy access to care, and

    3. A lasting relationship rooted in accountable, evidence-based care that gets results.


    Most people, including my colleagues, health professionals “best equipped” to navigate healthcare, avoid seeking care themselves until something breaks. Why? Because accessible, preventive care from a physician who truly knows them is often missing.

    At Fishtown Medicine, we’ve set out to change that. We offer zero-wait, same-day appointments, delivering consistent, excellent care from a physician who is deeply invested in your health journey.

    We believe healthcare should feel personal and empowering, giving you confidence that someone is always looking out for you. This is medicine at the pace of trust.

  • How is your practice different from concierge or traditional primary care?

    We blend the best elements of both models to give you the care you deserve.

    Unlike many concierge practices, we’re in-network with major insurers to help cover labs, imaging, and referrals.

    Unlike traditional primary care, we offer longer, unhurried visits, unlimited texts, and video calls directly with your doctor—without the rushed 7-minute appointments.

    Our focus is on building a relationship with you, not just treating symptoms. We take the time to understand your health goals, collaborate to design a care plan tailored to you, and partner with you every step of the way.

  • What’s included in my membership?

    Your membership includes:

    * Unlimited texting, video, and voice calls with your physician.

    * Same day prescription refills

    * Appointments that take as much time as you need.

    * Proactive care for chronic conditions, mental health, preventive needs, and acute concerns.

    * Transparent notes and actionable treatment plans after each visit.

    For labs, imaging, and referrals, we work with your insurance to minimize costs while maintaining quality care.

  • What do you treat?

    We provide care for over 90% of health conditions, including:

    Chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders.

    Preventive care including cancer prevention, cardiac health, metabolic health, dementia prevention, and lifestyle optimization.

    Mental health support including treatment for anxiety and stress-related concerns.

    Common acute conditions like respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, rashes, and minor injuries.

    For issues requiring in-person procedures—such as intravenous medications, emergency procedures, or invasive testing—we’ll refer you to urgent care or the emergency department while remaining involved in your care.

  • How do you handle urgent or after-hours needs?

    Your health doesn’t wait, and neither do we. You can text or call us anytime for urgent concerns, and we’ll respond promptly.

    For non-emergency urgent concerns, our immediate access ensures you can address issues before they escalate, minimizing the need for emergency department visits.

    For emergencies, we’ll guide you to the nearest appropriate care facility and follow up to ensure you’re fully supported.

  • How long does it take to get started?

    Getting started is simple:

    1. Schedule your complimentary consultation to see if we’re the right fit.

    2. Once you join, we’ll handle transferring your records and setting up your first appointment.

    3. Your care begins immediately, with same-day availability for urgent needs.

    Switching doctors can feel overwhelming, but we handle everything—from transferring records to coordinating with your previous provider—so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

    We’ll ensure a seamless onboarding process so you feel supported from day one.

  • Will I see the same doctor every time?

    Yes. One of the core values of Fishtown Medicine is continuity of care. The client-physician relationship is essential for building trust, crafting high-quality outcomes, and ensuring your health journey is fully supported. You’ll always see me (Dr. Ash), so you never have to repeat your story or wonder who’s on the other end of a call.

  • How do you make sure I stay healthy long-term?

    Our care is focused on prevention and empowerment. Through regular screenings, personalized health plans, and ongoing support, we work to reduce your risk of chronic conditions and help you achieve your long-term health goals.

    We do the work to get results, taking as long as needed to address your concerns and guide you toward better health. By navigating complex systems on your behalf—whether it’s referrals, labs, or collaborating with specialists—we ensure every detail of your care is aligned with your goals.

    This allows you to focus on your health while we take care of the rest.

  • What if I already have a specialist or therapist?

    Relationships matter, and help build long term health. We’re happy to work alongside any specialists or therapists you already trust.

    With your explicit permission, we work closely with your specialists or therapists to share records, align treatment plans, and ensure every aspect of your care is cohesive. Together, we build a network of care that supports your overall health and well-being.

  • Can I use insurance?

    While insurance helps cover referrals, imaging, labs, and diagnostic testing, it only covers 7 minutes of your time with your primary care physician. You deserve more personalized preventive care to keep you healthy and thriving for a good life. Insurance does not cover hour-long consultations, unlimited messaging, asking your questions freely, or trust with your doctor.

    Investing in proactive, accessible care helps avoid costly emergency visits and disease complications. We’re here to help you build your health, and save you time, stress, and money.

  • How do you protect my data and privacy?

    We take your privacy seriously. All communications are secured through a HIPAA-compliant, 256-bit SSL-encrypted system, ensuring your data is protected.

    Even in the rare event of a breach, your data would remain unreadable to unauthorized individuals. We only share your information with your explicit written authorization or when legally required.

  • What if I’m not happy with a visit or my care?

    We believe in complete accountability. If a visit doesn’t meet your expectations, we’ll make it right with a no-questions-asked refund.

    Our goal is to ensure every visit leaves you feeling supported, informed, and empowered.

  • Are there common medications you do not prescribe?

    While it is the first line treatment and completely appropriate for certain conditions, as a practice, we do not prescribe stimulants or narcotics.

  • What if I go to the hospital?

    First, let us know as soon as you’re safe.

    We’ll serve as your physician advocate, working closely with the hospital team to ensure you receive the best care. With access to regional and national health records, we’ll monitor your journey and stay in touch with you and your team throughout your hospitalization.

    As any good hospital medicine doctor knows, the clarity your Primary Care Physician provides to the hospital team can make a difference in care. Having someone they can reach anytime is key—yes, please share my direct number with your hospital team.

  • Can you help me rebuild trust in healthcare?

    Many of our clients come to us after negative experiences with rushed or impersonal care. We take a different approach—one built on listening, collaboration, and shared decision-making.

    Our goal isn’t just to regain your trust but to help you reconnect with your own healing process so you build confidence in navigating your health journey.

  • I’m not a client, but I want to connect.

    We provide coaching for medical doctors, NPs, residents, and students, as well as opportunities for clinicians to learn from our team and deliver care that clients truly deserve. If you’re passionate about providing comprehensive, accountable primary or specialist care, we’d love to hear from you.

    We also collaborate with community partners who share our mission to empower neighbors take ownership of their health. If that resonates with you, let’s connect!

What’s your health story?

Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Ash today to share your health goals, and see if we’re the right fit for your care.