OB-GYN in Falmouth, ME

Direct Care is an innovative, common-sense model that takes the practice of medicine back to its roots, the doctor-patient relationship! Direct care can be served in both the primary care and specialty care areas of medicine. Direct care does not require health insurance and only accepts cash payments for visits or services rendered. This translates into more choices in your doctor’s appointment times, extended visits, and improved contact with your provider. 

The Direct Care Specialty model is an innovative way to provide quality patient care to the area of gynecology. As the sole physician of Higher Ground Women’s Health, I choose to have a small panel of membership patients so that each individual can get personalized care for an ongoing relationship for a variety of reasons and we can dive deep into sensitive issues. If you have a short term need such as a  procedure from an outside practice, or want a one time consult, that is ok too! I will be providing fee for service options for these needs. I have got you covered!  

If you’re visiting a doctor in the traditional setting, chances are that their office spends a significant amount of time, staff, and money, on insurance billing and overhead. To make ends meet they work harder and longer each day, with shorter appointment times, in order to see more patients, as quickly as possible. Many times patients must come back multiple times, perhaps seeing different providers, having to retell your story, pay extra for additional issues “that are not covered for a routine visit”,  or even worse the patients  do not bring up issues that they would like to talk about because it feels rushed or strained. Doctors on the other hand are burning out ,or dropping out of medicine at all time highs, independent of the Covid pandemic. The system is broken! We want all this hassle gone for patients and OURSELVES by reinvesting in BOTH, using funds instead into Electronic Medical Records where everything will be tracked digitally, saving time consuming paperwork, while also giving doctors access at any given moment, from any location. We can provide longer appointments, free from interruption because there won’t needlessly include multiple trips back between the front desk looking for this or that,  and I PROMISE that I will not be typing at the computer trying to check off “all of my boxes required”  when you are telling me your story. A serious pet peeve of mine. We may even share a cup of tea in my office – consult room, wouldn’t that be lovely! 

Luckily Maine has many direct primary care doctors and I highly encourage you to sign up with one for an excellent primary care experience. Prevention is key! Please press link below

 We believe in traditional insurance when you need it – for serious illness, or expensive unanticipated events or procedures, catastrophic coverage is encouraged.

In short, we don’t accept insurance because we believe medical care should be accessible and straightforward. The direct care model offers predictable costs at a manageable price. Without the red-tape of insurance, we can focus on what we do best: taking care of you.

No, you don’t have to get a membership. While we believe a membership with Higher Ground Women’s Health provides the most value, it is not required. Patients have the opportunity to pay the individual costs associated with each visit instead.

You can visit our Pricing & Services page for more information.

At Higher Ground Women’s Medical, we don’t offer 15 minute check-ins. We don’t believe in them. We think it’s important to have time to get to know you, your medical history, and your needs. Our team will always schedule ample time for you to share your experiences, ask questions, or anything else that might arise.

The name “Higher Ground” marks a significant day in Dr. Lisa’s life and career. As she shares: In the summer of 2013 or maybe 2014, I quit my full time job at a hospital that I had loved, and whose practice and patients loved me. It was just a knowing that my time there had come to a close. It was now time for me to switch from autopilot to “Lisa, what do YOU want to do? Where are you supposed to be? What is your path?”

Asking these questions was incredible. Powerful, but scary.

That day, I was on my way home from a per diem gig at the hospital as the overwhelm — and doubt — seeped into my brain. It was a sunny day in Maine. I was driving, sunroof open, along the river, and UB40’s “Higher Ground” comes on — blaring — through my radio.

Of course, there was construction. There is always construction. But this time, there was also a man with a stop sign looking at me!

As I waited there, the song goes on: “Every hour of every day, I’m learning more, the more I learn the less I know about before, the less I know , the more I want to look around, digging deep for clues on higher ground.”

The stop sign man breaks out in a huge smile and we are both dancing. He’s using his sign as a microphone, I’m busting a move from my car seat, and we are singing together. And as I’m laughing, sun streaming, I have this feeling in my heart. I knew I was on the right path.

I knew it would be ok. And I knew I should keep going.

This moment is etched in my heart. I am grateful for it, and the ability to listen. This was the creation of Higher Ground Women’s Health, and a reflection of what I want for every person walking through the door. This is about wanting more, reaching for safety, and a higher vantage point.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) may seem like something new and different; however, this is a movement of physicians that has been in the making for over 15 years. These doctors want to return to an era where they can spend more one-on-one time with their patients without being passed from provider waitlist after waiting weeks on end at an ER or urgent care facility–a frustrating experience which could have easily been prevented by switching now! Transitioning today will allow you direct access as well improved quality health care not available elsewhere such as increased flexibility around when appointments might work best based upon individual needs while still offering broader doctor networks if needed down the line later

If you’re ready to book a discovery call or have a few more questions, feel free to reach out.