Direct Primary Care – The Health Care Model That’s Changing Everything

In this episode, we explore innovative models transforming healthcare delivery in Ithaca and beyond. Matthew Simone, a nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience, shares how his practice, Homesteady Health, is redefining patient care by cutting through insurance complexity and fostering genuine provider-patient relationships.

In this episode:
The shift from traditional insurance-based healthcare to direct primary care (DPC)
How DPC simplifies costs with a single low monthly fee and unlimited access
The benefits of building strong relationships for better health outcomes
Real-world examples of cost savings on labs, tests, and medications
The importance of community-oriented, old-fashioned patient care
Challenges faced by providers in modern healthcare systems
How DPC models support small businesses and vulnerable populations
Practical steps to start or join a direct primary care practice

Timestamps:
00:00 – The decline of patient care focus in the current system
02:03 – Introduction to Matthew Simone and his background
02:32 – What is direct primary care and how does it differ?
03:58 – The flat monthly membership model explained
04:48 – Unlimited access and same-day appointments
05:21 – Managing emergencies and lab tests in DPC
06:36 – Cost benefits: labs, imaging, and medications
07:58 – The power of out-of-pocket testing and diagnostics
10:16 – Challenges with insurance and why DPC offers a solution
11:02 – Transitioning from burnout to passionate practice
13:05 – Differences between DPC and traditional healthcare workflows
14:13 – Reclaiming the joy of patient care through DPC
15:24 – The significance of community and team in healthcare delivery
16:44 – Starting your own practice: barriers and opportunities
19:02 – Expanding services: hormonal therapy, employer partnerships, and more
21:07 – Emulating the old-fashioned country doctor tradition
22:38 – The value of home visits and personalized care
23:09 – Envisioning an economy rooted in care, not profit
24:19 – Building a fairer, simpler healthcare system

Resources & Links:
Homesteady Health – Website
Ithaca Local Economy Lab – Primary Care Directory (Free Download)
Book: “The Future of Healthcare” by Dr. Thomas Lee (search for actual title and author)
Connect with Matthew Simone:
Homesteady Health on Facebook
Instagram
Phone: 607-882-6001

This episode champions a return to human-centered, accessible medical care—reminding us that healthcare should serve people, not profit. If you’re curious about how DPC can improve your health journey or support your community, listen now and consider how these models could reshape the future of care.