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The Discovery Call: What to Expect
Fishtown Medicine•5 min read

The Discovery Call: What to Expect

New to Direct Primary Care? Learn what happens during your complimentary discovery call and how we determine fit.

On This Page
  • Table of Contents
  • Why do we offer discovery calls?
  • What do we cover in 20 minutes?
  • What is this call NOT?
  • Guidelines from the Clinic
  • Actionable Steps for Your Discovery Call
  • Common Questions
  • How long is the discovery call?
  • Is the discovery call free?
  • Will Dr. Ash give me medical advice on the call?
  • Can I do the discovery call by video?
  • What should I have ready for the call?
  • Do I have to commit to membership after the call?
  • Who should consider a discovery call?
  • Can I bring a partner or family member to the call?
  • Deep Questions
  • How is a discovery call different from a first visit?
  • What does "right fit" actually mean?
  • Will the discovery call help me decide between concierge medicine and DPC?
  • How does the call address chronic illness?
  • Can I ask about medications I am taking?
  • What if I want longevity-focused care, not just primary care?
  • How do you handle questions about cost during the call?
  • Will the call answer questions about insurance?
  • Can I record the call?
  • How quickly can I be seen if I join after the call?
  • What happens if I am out of state during the call?
  • How does Fishtown Medicine handle discovery calls for couples or families?
  • ✦Key Takeaways
  • Scientific References

Get a preventive doctor that knows you.

Consult Dr. Ash
TL;DR30-second take

A discovery call is a free 20-minute phone or video conversation with Dr. Ash. We discuss your health story, goals, and questions about Direct Primary Care so we can decide together if Fishtown Medicine is the right fit. No medical advice, no pressure, no charge.

TL;DR: Choosing a doctor is a deeply personal decision. That is why we offer a complimentary 20-minute discovery call. This is a no-pressure, get-to-know-you conversation with Dr. Ash to explore your goals, share your story, and decide if our relationship-based approach is the right fit for your life.

The discovery call is also a practical step. Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a different model than what most patients have experienced, and it helps to walk through how it works in real life before signing up.

Table of Contents

  • Why We Do Discovery Calls
  • What We Cover in 20 Minutes
  • What This Call is NOT
  • Guidelines from the Clinic
  • Common Questions
  • Deep Questions

Why do we offer discovery calls?

We offer discovery calls because most patients have never met their doctor before showing up in a paper gown. We use the call to build trust, audit fit, and answer logistics before any commitment.

  • Build Trust: So you can see how we communicate and think.
  • Audit Fit: To make sure your medical needs line up with our Scope of Practice.
  • Answer Logistics: Address questions about pricing, access, and insurance early.

What do we cover in 20 minutes?

We cover four areas in 20 minutes: your story, your goals, the Fishtown Medicine model, and a brief diagnostic roadmap.

  1. Your Story: What have you tried in the past? What has felt missing from your care?
  2. Your Goals: Are you focused on longevity, managing complex chronic illness, or just easier access and better communication?
  3. The FTM Model: How same-day texting, home visits, and advanced lab reviews work in your daily life.
  4. The Diagnostic Roadmap: A brief overview of how we would approach your initial evaluation.

What is this call NOT?

This call is not a medical visit, a sales pitch, or a paid service. To protect your safety and maintain clinical integrity, there are clear boundaries.

  • Not a Medical Visit: We cannot provide diagnoses, prescribe new medications, or order labs during this introductory call.
  • Not a Pressure Tactic: If we do not believe we are the right fit for your needs, we will be honest with you and help you find a better alternative in Philadelphia.
  • Zero Cost: This call is entirely free.

Guidelines from the Clinic

Dr. Ash
"The most important technology in medicine is the relationship between the doctor and the patient. I use this call to make sure we share the same values: a commitment to data, a desire for prevention, and respect for each other's time. I am not looking for patients. I am looking for partners in health."

Actionable Steps for Your Discovery Call

Make the most of our time.

  1. Jot Down Your Top 3: What are the three biggest things you want to change about your health this year?
  2. Have Your Labs Handy: If you have recent lab results that frustrated you, keep them nearby (but do not send them yet).
  3. Pick a Quiet Spot: Choose a time when you will not be interrupted so we can have a real, focused conversation. Book here.
  4. Bring One Big Question: One specific worry or unanswered question is worth more than ten general ones.
✦

Key Takeaways

  1. Complimentary 20-minute introductory phone or video call.
  2. Focused on goals, fit, and logistics.
  3. No medical advice or prescriptions given during this call.
  4. A chance to meet Dr. Ash before committing to a membership.

Scientific References

  1. Eskew PM, Klink K. "Direct Primary Care: Practice Distribution and Cost Across the Nation." Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2015.
  2. Frosch DL, et al. "Shared decision making in clinical medicine: past research and future directions." American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 1999.
  3. Beach MC, Inui T. "Relationship-centered care: a constructive reframing." Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2006.

Dr. Ash is a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in preventive medicine and healthspan optimization at Fishtown Medicine in Philadelphia.

Ashvin Vijayakumar MD (Dr. Ash)

Fishtown Medicine | About

2418 E York St, Philadelphia, PA 19125·(267) 360-7927·hello@fishtownmedicine.com·HSA/FSA Eligible

Book Your Call
Medical Disclaimer: This resource provides clinical context for educational purposes. In the world of Precision Medicine, there is no "one size fits all"; the right plan must be matched to your unique lab work, physiology, and goals. Consult Dr. Ash to determine if this approach is right for you, particularly if you have chronic health conditions or are taking prescription medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

The discovery call is 20 minutes. That is enough time to share your health story, hear how we work, and answer your top questions, without needing a deep medical evaluation.
Yes, the discovery call is free. There is no fee, no commitment, and no charge for the time. We treat it as the front door to the practice.
No, Dr. Ash will not give specific medical advice on the discovery call. The call is informational only. Diagnosis, prescriptions, and lab orders happen after you become a member, with a proper intake visit.
Yes, you can do the discovery call by phone or video. Most patients pick whichever feels easier. Both formats give you the same time and attention.
You should have your top three health concerns, a sense of your goals for the year, and any quick questions about pricing, access, or scope. You do not need to send records yet. We collect those once you decide to move forward.
No, you do not have to commit to membership after the call. Many patients take a few days to think it over. Some decide on the call, some decide weeks later, and some decide we are not the right fit, which is also a fine outcome.
Anyone considering Direct Primary Care, longevity-focused care, or simply a better doctor-patient relationship should consider a discovery call. It is also useful if you are unsure whether your specific medical needs match our scope of practice.
Yes, you can bring a partner or family member. Many couples or family decision-makers join together. Just let us know in advance so we can plan the time accordingly.

Deep-Dive Questions

A discovery call is informational and free, while a first visit is a clinical evaluation with history, exam, and testing. The discovery call is about fit and logistics. The first visit is about your medical care.
"Right fit" means that your needs and our model line up. Some patients need very specialized hospital-based care. Others want primarily insurance-billed care. Both are valid, and a discovery call helps us name when DPC is or is not the right tool.
Yes, the discovery call can help you decide between concierge medicine and DPC. We explain the structural differences, the pricing, and how each model handles insurance, specialist access, and after-hours care.
The call addresses chronic illness by listening to your full history, current medications, and the gaps you have experienced. We can describe how we typically manage conditions like hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and complex symptoms inside the membership.
You can ask about medications you are taking in a general sense, like whether we can continue or refill them inside our scope. We will not adjust dosing or make new recommendations on the call.
If you want longevity-focused care, we can describe our GER·O·SPAN approach, the advanced labs we offer, and how we layer prevention into routine care. Longevity work is a core part of our practice, not an add-on.
We handle cost questions transparently. We share membership pricing, typical lab cash prices, and the ways we help reduce out-of-pocket costs. There are no hidden fees, and we walk through the math openly.
Yes, the call will answer questions about how we work alongside insurance. We are happy to explain how DPC fits with high-deductible plans, HRAs, HSAs, and health share programs.
You can record the call if you want, with our consent confirmed at the start. Many patients take notes instead. Either approach is fine.
After joining, most patients are seen for a first visit within one to two weeks, depending on the schedule. Urgent issues can usually be addressed by secure message in the meantime.
If you are out of state during the call, that is fine. The discovery call is not a medical visit, so there are no licensing limits. Once you decide to join, we confirm whether you live in a state where Dr. Ash is licensed.
We handle discovery calls for couples or families in a single combined session when possible. Each adult would join individually if they decide to enroll, but the call itself can be shared. We schedule a longer block when both partners want to attend.

Ready when you are

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Dr. Ash reads every intake himself, and answers questions personally - usually within a few hours.

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