Dr. Christine Hoffman has opened a different kind of medical practice at Vanguard Medicine. One that is based on patient care and membership fees.

Hoffman calls it "concierge medicine for the working class."

"This is an innovative way to provide primary care to our patient in Murfreesboro and the surrounding area for less than a cable bill cost per month," the doctor said.

Hoffman has been able to wholesale prices on labs, diagnostic testing, even medicine, which her patients have access to for less than $100 per month.

That fee covers unlimited office visits, annual wellness exams, well-child exams, sports physicals, school physicals, basic office procedures, treatment of acute illness or minor injuries and 24/7/365 access to your doctor.

She even makes house calls (within reason).

"Our patients will also have access to discounted labs, prescriptions, and radiology," she said.

To learn more, visit her website at vanguardfamilymedicine.net or Facebook page at facebook.com/vanguardfamilymedicine.

Vanguard Direct Family Medicine operates as a Direct Primary Care practice. It’s a new approach to medicine. So, how is it different?

I am a family physician providing affordable primary healthcare to the residents of Rutherford County. The Direct Primary Care model gives us the ability to offer outstanding care to our patients 24/7- whenever you need us. You and your family’s health deserve the personal attention that we provide. Are you tired of the insurance company telling you what is best for your health? At Vanguard we do not accept insurance, your healthcare decisions are made between you and your physician. We are conveniently located in Murfreesboro. Take back your healthcare and contact us today.

Concierge medicine seems like an interesting approach to controlling healthcare costs.

Concierge is different from Direct Primary Care. Concierge still takes and files insurance and they cost about $200 a month (or more) just for the patients to have access to the doctor. Concierge doctors get paid both from insurance and the patient themselves. Concierge does not save patients money in the same way as DPC does.

Direct Primary Care doctors do not take insurance and we are much more affordable. All the primary care needs are met with the low monthly subscription and the wholesale prices on labs, meds diagnostic testing. Direct Primary Care can save thousands of dollars per year if patients pair that up with a high deductible health insurance plan. Insurance needs to be for hospitalization, surgery and cancer treatment, not primary care.

So are your patients paying for access to you? Do you really make house calls?

My patients can reach me via phone, email, and texts. I do house calls for my established patients at my discretion and within a radius from my office.

Why did you decide to structure your practice this way?

I was fed up with the way patients were treated in regular fee for service practices. They were getting harmed by denials from insurance for treatment, testing medications. I was about to leave medicine and do a different career but DPC saved my career and my patients. I am now able to spend more time with the patients and focus on them in 30-60 minute visits and patients the care they want and deserve. They also can now afford the tests and medications they need.

What kind of person would benefit most from DPC as a patient?

Somebody who wants a doctor who listens and spends time with them. A who wants a doctor that works with them and explains their health issues as well as giving them excellent care!

Michelle Willard is a freelance journalist who fills her days with social media marketing, politics, true crime, and taking complaints. You can complain to her on Twitter @MichWillard or by email michelle(at)murfreesborovoice.com.