If you’ve never been to a Direct Primary Care practice before, your first visit will look very different from a traditional doctor’s appointment. Here’s what to expect at your first visit at Garcia Family Medicine in Blue Springs.
The Length
Your first visit is 60 to 90 minutes. That’s not a typo. Compared to the 10-15 minute appointments common in insurance-based primary care, this gives Dr. Tess time to actually know you, hear your story, and build a comprehensive care plan.
What Happens
- Welcome and intake (10 minutes). Gigi greets you, confirms paperwork, and gets you settled. We don’t have a long-wait waiting room culture — you’ll be seen close to your appointment time.
- Complete health history (30-40 minutes). Dr. Tess walks through your full medical history, family history, lifestyle, current medications, concerns, and goals. This is the conversation most patients have never actually had with a doctor — and it shapes everything that follows.
- Physical examination (15-20 minutes). Comprehensive head-to-toe exam, vital signs, basic in-office tests.
- Care plan discussion (10-15 minutes). Dr. Tess summarizes what she’s found, what tests or screenings make sense, what lifestyle changes might help, and what your path forward looks like.
- Labs if needed. If labs are warranted, you can have them drawn the same day. We use TestSmartly Labs in Independence for wholesale pricing.
What to Bring
- Photo ID
- Your current medications (the actual bottles or a complete list with dosages)
- Any recent lab results or imaging if you have them
- Names and addresses of any specialists you currently see
- Family history details if you have them (parents, siblings, grandparents)
- Your questions — write them down ahead of time
What It Costs
The first visit is $200, which includes your initial month’s membership. After that, you pay your regular monthly rate ($99 individual, $175 couple, $225 family).
What Happens After
You leave with:
- Dr. Tess’s direct cell phone number for texting/calling
- A clear care plan with next steps
- Any prescriptions or referrals you need
- Lab orders if applicable
- Your first month’s membership active
From that point on, you can text Dr. Tess directly when health questions come up, schedule follow-up visits as needed (typically same or next day), and access unlimited care for your monthly membership fee.
Book Your First Visit
Ready to experience healthcare the way it should be? Call (816) 330-7575 or schedule online. We’re at 801 NW Saint Mary’s Drive, Suite 209, Blue Springs, MO 64014 — just off I-70.