Faq’s
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DPC?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model that places the physician–patient relationship at the center of primary care. Instead of billing insurance, physicians partner directly with patients to provide primary care services for a monthly or annual membership fee.
Because DPC practices do not contract with insurance companies, care decisions are made collaboratively between families and their physician — restoring autonomy, transparency, and trust to the healthcare experience. This model allows providers to offer more personalized, accessible, and comprehensive care without the constraints of traditional insurance-based systems.
Additional information about the Direct Primary Care model can be found at dpcnation.org.
What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative Medicine combines the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies to support the whole child — body, mind, and spirit. It looks beyond symptoms to explore root causes of illness and emphasizes prevention, nutrition, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and family connection as essential parts of health. At Unique by Design Pediatrics, this approach might include guidance on nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, stress management, and selective use of natural therapies — all personalized to your child’s needs and grounded in science.
How is Integrative Pediatrics different from traditional pediatrics?
Traditional pediatrics focuses on diagnosing and treating illness, while Integrative Pediatrics takes a broader view — addressing the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that influence a child’s health. At Unique by Design Pediatrics, conventional medical care is combined with evidence-based integrative and mind-body approaches. This means we look not only at symptoms but also at sleep, nutrition, stress, relationships, and family dynamics. The goal is to promote lasting wellness, not just manage disease.
How does Dr. Danielson’s mental health counseling training influence her pediatric care?
Dr. Danielson’s Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling enhances her ability to care for the whole child by integrating emotional and behavioral health into every visit. This training helps her recognize how stress, anxiety, family dynamics, and developmental challenges can affect physical health. She uses this knowledge to support children’s emotional resilience, guide parents through behavioral concerns, and foster a sense of balance and well-being within families — all while maintaining the foundation of evidence-based pediatric medicine.
Do I still need insurance?
Direct Primary Care is not health insurance. Families are encouraged to carry some form of coverage — such as a high-deductible health plan or participation in a health care sharing ministry — to help cover major or unexpected medical expenses like hospitalization, surgery, or specialty care.
DPC is designed to support day-to-day primary care, wellness visits, and ongoing access to a pediatrician, while insurance or alternative coverage can provide protection against larger, unforeseen medical costs. Many families find that pairing DPC with a high-deductible plan offers both affordability and flexibility.
Unique by Design Pediatrics does not bill insurance. For services that are paid for out of pocket, some families choose to submit a paid invoice to their insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on their individual plan. Reimbursement is not guaranteed, and families are responsible for verifying benefits and submitting any claims directly with their insurer.
What if my child needs to see a specialist or be hospitalized?
If a child needs to see a specialist, Dr. Danielson will discuss the concern with the family and assist with appropriate referrals as needed.
While hospitalization is uncommon in pediatrics, having direct access to a pediatrician who knows a child well can often help families navigate concerns early and may reduce unnecessary urgent care or emergency department visits. When hospitalization is required, care is provided by the local hospital’s pediatric hospitalist team.
Dr. Danielson will coordinate communication with the hospital team when appropriate and assist with care transitions and follow-up after discharge to help ensure seamless continuity.
What if my child gets sick while we are out of town?
Members continue to have direct access to Dr. Danielson through secure messaging, just as they would while at home. This ongoing communication allows concerns to be addressed thoughtfully and in context, even when families are traveling.
Based on the situation, Dr. Danielson may provide guidance through messaging or a phone call, help determine appropriate next steps, assist in locating an urgent care or emergency department, or communicate with an examining provider when appropriate. Prescriptions may be called in when clinically indicated and permitted by state regulations.
The goal is to help families navigate illness confidently and efficiently, even when they are away from home.
What about vaccines?
Vaccines have played an important role in preventing serious childhood illnesses that historically caused significant illness, disability, and death. Dr. Danielson supports informed discussions about routine childhood immunizations and encourages families to consider vaccines recommended for daycare and school attendance.
At the same time, she places a high value on family autonomy and believes vaccination decisions are best made through open, respectful conversation that considers a child’s individual circumstances and a family’s values. After these discussions, the decision about which vaccines a child receives ultimately belongs to the parent.
Unique by Design Pediatrics does not offer vaccinations on-site. Families are referred to the local public health department for routine childhood immunizations. Dr. Danielson remains available to discuss vaccine-related questions, review schedules, and help families think through options as part of comprehensive, relationship-based care.
How do I pay my DPC membership?
Membership may be paid monthly or annually, depending on what works best for each family. Payments can be made through automatic ACH withdrawal, credit card, or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds.
Beginning January 1, 2026, Direct Primary Care memberships are considered HSA-eligible medical expenses.
Memberships may also be gifted by a grandparent or loved one, offering a meaningful way for family members to support a child’s ongoing health and wellness.
The goal is to keep payment simple and flexible, allowing families to focus on their child’s care rather than billing logistics.
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes. Your autonomy is respected, and the relationship we build together is central to this model of care. If at any time this approach is no longer the right fit for your family, you may cancel your membership in writing, and no further membership fees will be collected.
Because this practice is designed around ongoing, relationship-based primary care, a re-enrollment fee will apply if you choose to rejoin the practice in the future. This helps preserve the integrity of the model and ensures consistent availability for current members.
What about availability?
Because Dr. Danielson intentionally limits the number of families in her Direct Primary Care practice, she is able to offer a level of access and responsiveness that is uncommon in traditional pediatric care. Members have direct ways to reach her and can expect thoughtful, timely responses.
Expectations regarding communication — including response times and after-hours contact — are reviewed during the initial Meet & Greet and are also provided in writing at the time of enrollment.
In the event of a planned absence, illness, or family emergency that affects availability, families will be notified promptly and provided with clear recommendations for appropriate alternative medical care. Dr. Danielson’s goal is to ensure continuity, transparency, and peace of mind for the families she serves.

