Samuel J. Heiks, M.D., will be starting a new medical practice in Bluffton called Creekside Family Medicine, LLC. 

This practice is based on a new and innovative healthcare model called Direct Primary Care. The concept to this type of practice is straightforward. The doctor contracts directly with the patient, rather than with the insurance company. 

When a Direct Primary Care practice is paired with a higher deductible insurance plan, there is often significant savings on healthcare expenditures for individuals, families and employers. 

There is growing evidence that this type of practice improves healthcare outcomes, reduces hospitalizations, ER visits, and expensive diagnostic tests, according to Dr. Heiks.   

This is in addition to improved doctor-patient relationships, better quality of care and greater patient satisfaction. Additionally, Dr. Heiks will begin to offer house calls as part of this plan. 

For patients, families or employers who are interested in Direct Primary Care, Dr. Heiks is offering a free consultation visit.  He will also see patients as an out of network provider and later this fall will become a Medicare provider. 

More information is available at www.creeksidebluffton.com. Call 419-358-4627 to schedule an appointment. His practice is in the Celebration of Health office, 122 Thurman St., Bluffton.