Direct primary care (DPC) is a healthcare model that prioritizes the doctor patient relationship, providing you a more personalized and convenient way to access your pediatrician. DPC is a membership-based model of delivering healthcare that operates outside of the boundaries and restrictions of insurance. You will not be charged any additional fees, deductibles, or co-pays for service in our office. You'll have no surprise bills – all visits, unlimited texting and calls, in-office testing, and routine office procedures are included in your membership. Direct primary care practices see only a fraction of the patients in a large corporate type practice, so you will experience direct access to Dr. Wiersma, unrushed visits, and virtually no wait times. Without insurance constraints, many concerns can be handled via text message or virtual visit, saving you a trip to the office.

Monthly membership fees are automatically charged to your credit card, HSA card, or bank account on file. You have access to change this account at any time. If planning to use HSA funds, we recommend reviewing your plan benefits regarding coverage. Grandparents or other relatives can also pay for a child's monthly membership.

PeaPod Pediatrics works with your insurance differently. We are an out of network provider with insurnace plans and do not bill you or your insurance for medical services in our office outside of your monthly memberhsip. We will help coordinate with your insurance for vaccines, outside lab and imaging testing, and referrals. A direct primary care membership is not insurance, so most families keep insurance coverage to cover emergencies or specialty care. Consider looking at what options will work best for your situation, as many families find a direct pimrary care membership pairs well with a high-deductible/catastrophic health plan or health share.

We will work with your insurance to provide vaccines and can administer them in our office. We believe that vaccines are a very important part of preventative healthcare for our patients. We understand that many families have questions about vaccines, and we have the time to answer your questions! PeaPod Pediatrics is open to families who wish to pursue alternative vaccine schedules, but we do not take unvaccinated patients.

Yes, we love babies! PeaPod Pediatrics is a great fit for growing families. Dr. Wiersma has certifications in breastfeeding medicine and can suppport you to feed your baby in the way that works best for your family. Dr. Wiersma has hospital priveledges at HonorHealth Shea and can see your baby in the hospital based on availability. We know that taking a newborn out in the first few months can be daunting, so we also include in-home well visits in the first 3 months of life.

We offer complementary home visits for well visits in the first 3 months of life. We can provide additional home visits based on availability for an additional $100 travel fee per visit. Our home visit radius is about 5 miles from our office.