DPC is a newer model for most people. Here are the questions we hear most often.
Windmill tends to be a good fit for adults (18+) who value longer visits, a doctor they can actually reach, and a more personal ongoing relationship with their physician. If you've felt rushed, unheard, or frustrated by the traditional system, this model was designed with that in mind. The best way to find out is a free meet and greet — no commitment required.
Dr. Li provides a concierge level of primary care for her patients. It differs from a concierge practice in this sense: concierge practices typically charge high fees and continue to bill insurance on top of that. DPC is designed to be more accessible and straightforward — one flat monthly fee, with no insurance billing for primary care visits.
No. Windmill is a direct-pay practice and does not bill insurance for office visits. A simple monthly membership covers your primary care within this practice.
No. Membership covers primary care services within this practice. It is not a substitute for health insurance. Many members pair DPC with a high-deductible insurance plan for specialist, hospital, and emergency care.
Yes. Most patients keep insurance for hospital care, specialists, and emergencies. DPC handles your primary care, and insurance covers everything outside that scope. Many people find that pairing DPC with a lower-premium, higher-deductible plan makes financial sense.
At this time, we're unable to take patients who have Medicare (Medicare beneficiaries). We hope to welcome patients with Medicare in the future — please check back for updates.
Yes, you may use an HSA toward your membership. In many cases an FSA may also be used toward membership; however, patients should confirm eligibility with their plan administrator, as rules vary.
Windmill is a cashless practice. We accept debit and credit cards, HSA and FSA cards, and ACH bank payments.
When you're ready to join, we'll send you a secure enrollment link. There, you'll review and sign a series of documents, add your payment method, and choose your membership start date. Your membership begins once we've received your completed registration and first month's membership fee.
Labs and imaging ordered outside the practice are billed separately — either through your insurance or at reduced cash-pay rates negotiated by Windmill Primary Care. Specialist referrals can be coordinated when needed, and we'll stay involved in your overall care throughout.
Windmill provides comprehensive primary care, sick visits, chronic disease management, weight loss management, and perimenopause and menopause care — for adults 18 and over in Richmond and the surrounding area.
We do not complete disability or FMLA paperwork on the first visit. A patient needs to be an active member for at least six months, and these requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Dr. Li takes a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to chronic pain, using a combination of non-medication strategies, appropriate medications, and close collaboration with specialists when needed. In line with current best practices for long-term safety, she does not prescribe chronic opioid pain medication for musculoskeletal pain. When that type of management is appropriate, she's happy to help coordinate with a specialist.
Dr. Li approaches anxiety with care, combining non-medication strategies, appropriate medications, and collaboration with behavioral health specialists when helpful. In line with current best practices for long-term safety, she does not prescribe benzodiazepine medications, and can help connect you with a specialist when that type of management is needed.
If you're struggling with focus or attention, Dr. Li will take time to explore other medical or behavioral health conditions that can mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms. For formal ADHD evaluation and ongoing treatment, she'll refer you to an appropriate specialist to make sure you get the right diagnosis and care.
We hope to build a personal, honest, and lasting relationship with every patient — but we understand that circumstances change. Windmill is month-to-month with no long-term contract. If you decide to cancel, you'll have one final billing cycle, and Dr. Li will remain your physician for 30 days after your last payment. Then your membership will stop. We never want anyone to stay who isn't happy with our practice. Should you choose to re-join later, a $300 rejoining fee will apply.
It's a free, 15-minute virtual visit where you can ask any questions you have about the practice, the membership model, and whether Windmill is a good fit for you. Please note this is not a medical visit — no medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment is provided during the meet and greet. There's no paperwork and no obligation to join. It's simply a chance to get to know each other before making any decisions.
Still have questions? Just reach out — we're happy to talk.
The meet and greet is free, with no pressure either way.