Frequently Asked Questions

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model where patients pay a flat monthly membership fee directly to their doctor for personalized, comprehensive care without the involvement of insurance. At Ascend Sports Medicine, this means you’ll receive accessible, unhurried appointments, direct communication with your physician, and a focus on whole-person health tailored to your needs—whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or working toward peak physical performance. No more months-long waits—Dr. Amrine is just a message away. Need an in-person visit? You can typically schedule one for that very same day.

By opting out of insurance, Ascend can focus on patient-centred care—spending more time with patients, offering same-day or next-day visits, and tailoring treatment plans to your individual goals without administrative interference.

Sports medicine is a medical specialty that combines clinical knowledge of internal medicine with musculoskeletal expertise. It addresses both injury treatment and prevention while also supporting performance and general wellness—ideal for athletes and active individuals.

Dr. Amrine has specific training in how medical conditions and injuries impact physical activity. He offers a more holistic approach to treating active individuals and can often prevent unnecessary referrals or surgeries.

• Professional and amateur athletes

• Weekend warriors and active adults

• Teens in sport programs

• Individuals with chronic injuries or recurring pain

• Anyone looking to improve longevity, fitness, or physical performance

Dr. Amrine is dual board-certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He provides both primary care and advanced sports medicine services. This includes:

Primary Care:

• Annual physicals and wellness exams

• Preventive screenings and chronic condition management

• Illness treatment (colds, infections, etc.)

• Skin checks

• Care coordination and advocacy with specialists

Sports Medicine:

• Injury evaluation and treatment

• Tendon and bone stress injury care

• Sport-related heart or illness management

• Concussion diagnosis and recovery plans

• Return-to-play clearance and performance enhancement

Absolutely. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just want to move better, Dr. Amrine will work with you to optimise strength, endurance, and recovery.

Yes. Performance Members benefit from care plans which can include training recommendations, rehab strategies, and lifestyle adjustments.

Absolutely not. While we specialize in sports medicine, we welcome anyone seeking a more active and healthy life. You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from Ascend’s approach.

Absolutely. We understand that the DPC model isn’t for everyone. You can still see Dr. Amrine for individual consultations/visits. Note that we will not bill your insurance but we will provide you with a bill that you can submit to your insurance.

Do you care about your health? Then the answer is likely “yes.”

At Ascend Sports Medicine, we welcome everyone who values their health and wellness. Whether you’re a professional athlete aiming for peak performance, an amateur enthusiast recovering from an injury, or someone looking to build or maintain a healthy lifestyle for longevity, Ascend will support your journey.

Our personalized care model is ideal for:

• Individuals seeking a direct, personal, and accessible relationship with their healthcare provider.

• Those who prioritize prevention, performance, and recovery.

• Active people or those aspiring to incorporate more activity into their lives.

If you’re ready to invest in your health, overcome obstacles, and achieve your wellness goals, Ascend Sports Medicine could be the perfect fit for you. Let us help you thrive—no matter where you’re starting from.

Unlimited Visits- Schedule as many in-person or virtual appointments whenever you need without worrying about additional costs.

Unlimited Access- As a member, Dr. Amrine will be available to help you 24/7.

Convenient Scheduling- Use our online platform to book appointments, check-in, and upload necessary documents. Members enjoy priority scheduling and no wait times.

Personalized Care Plans- Receive tailored treatment strategies, including exercise plans and preventative care.

Learn more about membership options on our Membership page.

Your journey begins with a thorough 1–3 hour intake appointment. You and Dr. Amrine will review your goals and health history to build a comprehensive plan. As a member, you’ll enjoy regular follow-ups, text or call access to Dr. Amrine, and a welcoming clinic space that includes snacks, rest areas, and a gym.

No. You can book individual visits without a membership. We’ll provide a detailed invoice so you can submit to your insurance if eligible.

There are many reasons why an Ascend Sports Medicine membership is worth it and those reasons are different for everybody.

Financially, it makes lots of sense—especially if you have a high-deductible insurance plan.

With a traditional insurance model, you often end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars out-of-pocket before your deductible is met. That means office visits, physical therapy, and many routine healthcare expenses come straight from your pocket.

For example, you often pay over $300 for doctors visit to assess an injury, get help when sick, or for a routine visit. These visits often last 15 minutes and your questions may not always be answered.

With an Ascend membership, you can see Dr. Amrine immediately for visits that last as long as you need. You will be able to see hime as often as you need for any type of medical or athletic issue. You will receive comprehensive care, sports medicine, injury prevention, and performance optimization, all in one place, with no extra costs for longer or more in-depth visits.

For many people with high-deductible insurance, an Ascend membership means significantly lower healthcare expenses over the course of a year. Plus, you get faster, more personalized care without the hassle of insurance approvals and unexpected medical bills.

Yes! Each family member receives a 20% discount on the monthly membership fee. Feel free to email or call us with questions!

We ask members to sign up for 12 months. We’ve structured it this way because we believe in building long-term relationships and providing care that evolves with you over time — whether you're working through an injury, training for a race, or just staying ahead of your health. This model allows us to deliver personalized, proactive care without the limitations of traditional insurance-based systems.

We’re here for the long run — and we’re excited to support you through all of yours.

We understand that a membership may not feel right for you. We also offer individual consultationsfor those who prefer to see us on a one-time or as-needed basis. Whether you're curious about VO₂ max testing, need help with a specific injury, or just want to check us out before committing, we’re happy to meet you where you are.

No, Ascend Sports Medicine does not accept insurance. We operate as a direct primary care (DPC) clinic, which means we provide high-quality, personalized care without the restrictions and frustrations of insurance.

By not working with insurance companies, we can:

• Keep costs transparent – No surprise bills or hidden fees. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for.

• Focus on your care, not paperwork – We spend more time with you, not on insurance claims and approvals.

• Offer longer, more personalized visits – Without the pressure to see high volumes of patients, Dr. Amrine can take the time needed to address your concerns and create a treatment plan that works for you.

Instead of dealing with insurance, we offer affordable membership plans or pay-per-visit options, so you can get expert sports medicine and primary care when you need it. Many of our patients find that our approach saves them money and improves their healthcare experience.

If you have insurance, you may still be able to use it for things like labs, imaging, and prescriptions, depending on your plan. We’re happy to help guide you in using your benefits when possible.

YES!

You can use your FSA and use up to $150/month of your HSA toward your membership fee.

We understand that life happens and plans may change. However, due to the time and preparation involved in your scheduled visit, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations or rescheduling.

As a non-member, if you cancel or reschedule your appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged 50% of the visit cost, as outlined below:

• Non-Member Consultation: $125 cancellation fee

• Bike Fit: $200–$300 cancellation fee, depending on the type of fit scheduled

• VO2 Max Testing: $150 cancellation fee