What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based way to receive primary care. You pay one monthly fee and have a direct relationship with your physician, without insurance restrictions or high-volume clinic schedules. Your membership includes longer appointments, direct access to Dr. Badrun by call or secure message, and a personalized wellness plan built around your life.

What is New Essence Health, and how is it different from a traditional practice?

New Essence Health is a Direct Primary Care practice in Buckhead, Atlanta, with telehealth for patients across Georgia. We do not bill insurance for membership-covered primary care, so there are no copays or surprise bills for those services, and pricing is clear up front. Visits are longer and you can reach your physician directly. Whether you are uninsured and looking for an affordable way to get primary care, or you want to pair membership with a high-deductible or health share plan for major medical costs, membership is built around your needs.

Who can join New Essence Health?

New Essence Health cares for adults ages 18 to 64. We do not see children. Individuals enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or CHAMPVA are not eligible for membership. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact us.

What is included in my membership?

Your $150 monthly membership includes direct physician care (unhurried visits with Dr. Badrun, contact between appointments by call or secure message, and care in person at our Buckhead, Atlanta office or by telehealth anywhere in Georgia, with no copays and no visit caps for membership-covered care); unlimited generic medications at no extra cost during your first year, shipped to your door (after the first year, generics remain available at low, cost-plus pricing; specialty medications without a generic equivalent, such as insulin or hormone therapies, are not included, and we guide you to at-cost pricing for them); labs and imaging at direct-rate prices with no insurance markups, completed at trusted local facilities; and insurance flexibility, so if you have health insurance you can still use it for labs, imaging, or prescriptions at any pharmacy or facility of your choice when that costs you less.

How do I become a member?

We keep our panel small so every member gets unhurried care, so joining is a simple three-step process. 1) Discovery call: schedule an introductory call or brief visit to talk about your health priorities, confirm the model fits what you want, and check panel availability. 2) Complete your membership: once accepted, complete your digital enrollment and set up your recurring membership payment. 3) Initial health evaluation: get access to your patient portal and schedule an extended baseline visit so we can build your care plan.

How is DPC different from concierge medicine?

Both offer small patient panels and more access to your physician. Concierge practices typically charge an annual retainer, commonly starting around $2,000, and still bill your insurance for visits. Direct Primary Care replaces insurance billing for primary care with one monthly membership.

How much does membership cost?

Membership is $150 per month, plus a one-time $125 enrollment fee that includes your Essence Care Health Kit. Additional household members have reduced pricing. There is no contract length.

Is there an enrollment fee?

Yes. A one-time $125 enrollment fee applies when you join, in addition to your $150 monthly membership. It includes your Essence Care Health Kit, a physician-curated blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, thermometer, and digital scale, so you can track your health at home and give Dr. Badrun accurate data between visits.

How does pricing work for families or multiple members of the same household?

Your primary household membership is $150 a month, with a $125 enrollment fee that includes your household's Essence Care Health Kit. Each additional household member joins at a reduced $140 a month, with a $75 enrollment fee, and receives the same care and direct access to Dr. Badrun. All members must be adults ages 18 to 64.

Is there a contract? What is your cancellation policy?

There is no long-term contract. We ask for one month's notice before you cancel so we can wrap up your care smoothly. If you decide to rejoin in the future, we would be glad to have you back. Re-enrollment after cancellation includes a $300 enrollment fee.

Does New Essence Health accept my private health insurance?

No. New Essence Health is a membership-based Direct Primary Care practice and does not bill insurance for our services. It is not health insurance, and you do not need health insurance to join. Membership is paid directly by you, whether or not you have coverage. If you have health insurance, you can still use it outside our practice for labs, imaging, prescriptions, specialist visits, or emergency care whenever that lowers your out-of-pocket cost. Individuals enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or CHAMPVA are not eligible for membership.

Do I still need health insurance?

Most people should keep some form of coverage for costs membership does not include: hospital stays, surgery, emergency care, and most specialist care. Membership covers your primary care with us. A licensed insurance professional can help you choose the right plan.

Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for my membership?

Yes, in many cases. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, HSA funds can be used for direct primary care memberships. To qualify, the membership fee must stay within $150 a month for an individual or $300 a month for a family, and you must be enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Our individual membership fits within the limit. Households whose combined membership fees are above the $300 family limit may not qualify, so confirm with your HSA administrator or a tax professional.

Are in-person office visits available?

Yes. New Essence Health offers in-person visits at our Buckhead, Atlanta office, alongside telehealth for patients throughout Georgia. Many day-to-day primary care needs can be addressed virtually, but some visits, like your initial comprehensive intake and physical exams, are in person. Georgia state regulations require at least one in-person exam each year for telehealth patients, which your annual comprehensive physical already satisfies.

How do I schedule an appointment?

As a member, you can request visits directly by call or secure text, with no call center or referral required, for both in-office visits at our Buckhead, Atlanta location and virtual visits from anywhere in Georgia.

How long are appointments?

Appointments are built around your needs. While standard insurance-based primary care visits are often ten to fifteen minutes, our appointments typically range from thirty to sixty minutes, giving us time to explore your concerns, answer your questions, and build a plan together.

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Yes. In addition to in-person visits at our Buckhead, Atlanta office, New Essence Health provides telehealth visits for patients located in Georgia, whether you are traveling within the state or prefer the convenience of care from home.

What if I travel out of Georgia?

Telehealth is how we stay in touch when you travel. Contact us before your trip so we can let you know what is possible while you are away. For urgent needs or emergencies while traveling, go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room.

How effective is virtual care compared to an in-person visit?

For many ongoing primary care needs, telehealth offers the same personal attention as an in-person visit, without travel time. With your Essence Care Health Kit, virtual visits give Dr. Badrun accurate data to evaluate and manage your health from home. If a concern needs a hands-on exam, we will arrange an in-person visit at our Buckhead, Atlanta office.

Can I reach out between visits?

Yes. As a member you can reach out between visits by call, text, or email whenever a question or concern comes up. We aim to respond in a timely, personal way, though response times can vary. For emergencies, call 911.

Is there a limit to the number of visits I can have?

We do not set rigid visit limits. You have flexible access to in-person and telehealth appointments as needed for your health, scheduled around clinical need so our time stays available for thorough evaluations and prompt attention to acute concerns.

Which medications are covered with membership?

Unlimited generic medications are included during your first year, shipped directly to your door at no extra cost, whether that is two prescriptions or fifteen. Specialty medications without a generic equivalent, such as insulin and hormone therapies, are not included in the membership. We guide you to at-cost pricing for them.

What happens to medication pricing after the first year?

The first-year benefit is a one-time welcome benefit for new members and does not reset if you cancel and rejoin. After your first year, generics remain available at low, cost-plus pricing, below standard retail. For specialty medications without a generic equivalent, we continue to guide you to at-cost pricing at any time.

How affordable are labs and imaging for members?

Because there are no insurance markups, members pay discounted cash rates for labs and imaging, which can be much lower than typical hospital and health-system prices. Tests are done at a convenient local facility, and you see the price before anything is run. If you would rather use your health insurance for diagnostic tests, the choice is yours.

Do you treat chronic conditions?

Yes. We partner with members to manage conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular risk factors, with extended visits and ongoing monitoring through your Essence Care Health Kit.

How do you take care of acute issues?

When you feel unwell, you can contact Dr. Badrun directly, without phone trees or a triage desk. Together, we decide on the right next step, whether that is an in-person visit at our Buckhead, Atlanta office or a virtual consultation. For severe or life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.

Do you provide preventive care?

Yes. Preventive care is the foundation of our practice. Membership includes annual comprehensive physicals, screening recommendations, and proactive health monitoring, with time for a thorough evaluation.

What happens if I need specialist care?

We stay at the center of your care. If you need specialized testing or consultations outside our practice, Dr. Badrun guides and coordinates the referral process.

What should I do in a medical emergency?

Always seek immediate emergency care. If you have severe symptoms such as chest pressure, difficulty breathing, or sudden neurological changes, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait to reach us first. New Essence Health provides ongoing primary care, not emergency services.

What about after-hours urgent issues?

As a member, you can message or call our office for urgent guidance after hours, and when possible, Dr. Badrun will help triage your symptoms or offer advice. New Essence Health is not a 24-hour emergency center or walk-in urgent care, so there may be times after hours when hands-on care, imaging, or testing is needed right away. In those situations, or if we cannot be reached promptly, a local urgent care clinic is the safest option, and we will coordinate follow-up with you the next business day.

What is your policy on controlled substances?

Your long-term health and safety come first. We take a conservative approach to prescribing controlled medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines. For chronic pain, we partner with a pain management specialist and explore effective non-narcotic options together. For anxiety and mental health, we prioritize evidence-based first-line therapies and holistic techniques, and connect you with trusted psychiatric specialists when needed. For the safety of patients and staff, we do not store or dispense controlled substances at our Buckhead, Atlanta office.

Do you provide vaccinations?

We review your immunization needs as part of your annual physical and give personalized guidance. We do not administer vaccinations in our office, but we can point you to nearby options such as your local pharmacy or health department.

Do you see patients who do not speak English?

Yes. Dr. Badrun speaks English, Spanish, Bangla, Urdu, and Hindi, in person at our Buckhead, Atlanta office and through telehealth across Georgia.

Heart-Healthy Diet: Mediterranean Diet Benefits Backed by NIH Research

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but research consistently shows that dietary changes can significantly reduce your risk. The Mediterranean diet, in particular, has been extensively studied and endorsed by the American Heart Association and National Institutes of Health as one of the most effective eating patterns for cardiovascular health.

The PREDIMED Trial: Landmark Research

The PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) trial, funded in part by the NIH, followed over 7,400 participants at high cardiovascular risk. The results were striking:

30% reduction in cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes, cardiovascular death)
Significant reduction in stroke risk specifically
Benefits seen with both Mediterranean diet + extra virgin olive oil and Mediterranean diet + nuts
Results were so significant the trial was stopped early

The PREDIMED trial was one of the largest and most rigorous dietary intervention studies ever conducted, providing strong evidence for the Mediterranean diet’s heart-protective effects.

Key Components of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:

Extra virgin olive oil as the primary fat source (4+ tablespoons daily)
Abundant vegetables (2+ servings per meal)
Fresh fruits daily (3+ servings)
Whole grains, legumes, and nuts
Fish and seafood (2+ times per week)
Moderate poultry and dairy
Limited red meat (less than once weekly)
Moderate red wine with meals (optional)

Foods to Emphasize

Build your meals around these heart-healthy foods:

Olive oil: Use for cooking and dressings instead of butter
Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, mackerel rich in omega-3s
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios (handful daily)
Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas several times weekly
Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread
Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, arugula
Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, especially when cooked
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries for antioxidants

Foods to Limit

Reduce or avoid these foods:

Processed meats: Bacon, sausage, deli meats
Red meat: Beef, pork, lamb (occasional is fine)
Refined carbohydrates: White bread, pasta, pastries
Added sugars: Sodas, candy, sweetened beverages
Highly processed foods: Chips, packaged snacks
Trans fats: Found in some fried and processed foods

Beyond Diet: The Mediterranean Lifestyle

The Mediterranean approach extends beyond food:

Regular physical activity – walking, gardening, swimming
Eating meals with family and friends
Taking time to enjoy food rather than rushing
Moderate alcohol intake (if you drink)
Adequate sleep and stress management

Getting Started

You don’t need to overhaul your diet overnight. Start with these simple changes:

Switch to olive oil for cooking
Add an extra serving of vegetables to each meal
Replace one red meat meal with fish weekly
Snack on nuts instead of processed foods
Choose whole grains over refined grains

Small, sustainable changes are more effective than dramatic overhauls. Pick one or two changes to start, and add more over time.

Personalized Nutrition Guidance

As your primary care provider, I can help you develop a personalized nutrition plan based on your health goals, preferences, and any medical conditions. During your wellness visits, we can discuss your diet and identify practical ways to incorporate more heart-healthy foods.

If you have specific conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension, dietary changes can be a powerful complement to medication—and sometimes reduce the need for medication over time.

Heart-Healthy Diet: Mediterranean Diet Benefits Backed by NIH Research

Table Of Content

The PREDIMED Trial: Landmark Research

Key Components of the Mediterranean Diet

Foods to Emphasize

Foods to Limit

Beyond Diet: The Mediterranean Lifestyle

Getting Started

Personalized Nutrition Guidance

Ready to talk to Dr. Badrun?

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Heart-Healthy Diet: Mediterranean Diet Benefits Backed by NIH Research

Table Of Content

The PREDIMED Trial: Landmark Research

Key Components of the Mediterranean Diet

Foods to Emphasize

Foods to Limit

Beyond Diet: The Mediterranean Lifestyle

Getting Started

Personalized Nutrition Guidance

Ready to talk to Dr. Badrun?

Phone

Email

Address

A Year of Generic Medications at No Additional Cost