Editor’s Note: We spoke with Dr. Michele Gero, a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician who owns Aspire Direct Primary Care located at 415 Commercial Court, Suite C, in Venice (close to Jacaranda and I-75). Call 941-800-1630 to schedule an appointment. Check out the short video on the bottom of the home page at AspireDirectPrimaryCare.com for a helpful introduction to Direct Primary Care.

How does Direct Primary Care (DPC) work and what are the benefits?
Direct Primary Care is old-fashioned medicine for modern times. In our model, I work directly for my patients, not insurance companies or large healthcare organizations. Benefits include same or next day appointments, longer visits, a personal relationship with your physician, unlimited visits with no copays, and the ability to reach me after hours. Services include annual visits, women’s health, child and adolescent care, chronic disease management, work and school physicals, and unlimited sick visits.

Where did you complete your medical education and residency?
I’m from a small rural town in upstate New York near the border of Canada. I attended SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and completed my residency there as well. My husband and I moved to Wallingford, CT after graduation, where I owned a practice for 7 years. In 2011, he was offered his dream job in Venice, moving our family to Florida. We love the Gulf Coast region and can’t imagine living anywhere else.

How is the DPC approach different than concierge medicine?
The cost for DPC is much less; monthly rates are typically less than a person’s cell phone bill. Concierge physicians usually bill your insurance and require copays on top of the yearly fee. With DPC, your membership pays for all the care I can provide with the benefits of longer visits and quicker access. 

Why did you develop a Direct Primary Care practice instead of joining a larger group practice?
The type of care I deliver is the same care I would provide to my own family. I don’t ever want my patients to leave the office with questions or concerns that weren’t answered. I don’t have to limit appointment times or topics covered. I sleep better knowing that I’m providing my patients with the best care I possibly can.

How are your patients responding to your more personal approach?
The response is very positive. My patients appreciate that I pay attention to their needs and concerns. Aspire DPC reflects my aspirations for providing the best medical care for every member of the family. I became a doctor because of my family physician growing up, and his way of practicing medicine. His patients were like friends, and I’m grateful to have the same kind of opportunity.

What would you like to share about your family and other interests?
My husband and I stay busy supporting our children, Lila, Anahita and Arman. In my free time I enjoy reading and doing different crafting projects. I also love snuggling with my fur baby Zoey the Schnoodle and watching sappy romantic comedies at home provided I can commandeer the remote!