Direct pediatric care (also known as direct primary care or DPC) is a healthcare model that prioritizes the doctor-patient relationship, providing a more personalized and convenient way to access your pediatrician. At PeaPod Pediatrics, we call this direct pediatric care.

It 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 services 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 pediatric care practices see only a fraction of the patients in a large corporate practice, which means 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 pediatric 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 pediatric 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 support you to feed your baby in the way that works best for your family. Dr. Wiersma has hospital privileges 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 complimentary in-home well visits during the first 3 months of life for families within our home visit service area.

Yes! We love doing home visits and offer complimentary home visits for well visits in the first 3 months of life. We can also provide additional home visits for established patients based on availability for an additional $100 travel fee per visit.

To help us protect our travel time and arrive promptly, our home visit service area includes much of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley and select areas of North Phoenix. As a general guide, our service area extends to Pinnacle Peak Road to the north, Camelback Road to the south, 136th Street to the east, and 44th Street to the west, though availability may vary based on travel time and scheduling.

If you're unsure whether your home falls within our service area, please reach out with your cross streets and we'd be happy to check your location!