Are you tired of rushed appointments and impersonal care? Direct Primary Care offers a refreshing approach to healthcare—simple, affordable, and centered around you. At Docs by the Bay, we’re dedicated to bringing back the personalized doctor-patient relationship that’s often missing in today’s healthcare system. With our DPC model, you pay a low monthly membership fee for direct access to your physician, longer appointments, and no hidden costs. Say goodbye to insurance hassles and hello to a more meaningful, patient-focused experience.
The “Direct” means that we contract directly with the patient, not with an insurance company or a big corporate hospital system. We are freed from having to answer to big corporations, who tend to focus on their bottom line, not always on what is best for you as the patient. Thus, we are always free to do what is best for you.
The care you will receive from your physician will be similar to prior interactions, but better! Your appointments will be longer, less rushed. You will find it easier to get an appointment and also easier to communicate with your physician.
Our practice will only have a third to a quarter of the number of patients a typical PCP’s practice. We have far fewer patients, so we have more time for the patients we do serve. This leads to superior service, prompt access, and outstanding communication!
Just because your insurance company lists someone as your PCP, does not mean you have easy access to that individual. As you know, when you call the office of a typical PCP, you can rarely get prompt attention. It is not unusual to be offered an appointment several weeks to months in the future! At Docs by the Bay, our goal is to meet your needs on your time frame, not ours.
80% of all interactions with the healthcare system are with a person’s PCP. We provide all the services typically associated with PCPs: Annual physical exams, routine office appointments, urgent health issues, medicine refills, pre-operative evaluations, hospital follow-ups, etc. In addition, you will have the ability to communicate directly with your PCP via text, e-mail, and phone calls – for no additional charge!
We provide comprehensive adult primary care through our two membership plans (Standard or Limited Membership), including physical exams, routine and urgent visits, medication management, hospital follow-ups, and care coordination with specialists.
We also offer select standalone services for non-members, including DOT physicals and pre-operative examinations.
Yes. There maybe a small fee to draw your blood. We can send your blood wherever you choose, but we have contracted with LabCorp.
Yes. We can draw your blood, and send those samples wherever you choose for processing. We find Quest gives the best price. The lab who processes your blood work will bill your insurance company.
Yes. We encourage you to get your routine questions answered during normal business hours, but if you have a urgent issue, we are available 24/7. Call 231-881-9054 and you will be connected to your Physician.
To see more frequently asked questions, visit here.
Dr. Thomas Ling has more than 30 years of experience in meeting the health care needs of Northern Michigan. He enjoys developing long term relationships with patients, and getting the opportunity to know them as individuals.
Dr. Mark Richmond is an internist in Petoskey, MI and has over 32 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1991.
Morgan Olson-Hamminga, PA-C, earned her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Grand Valley State University’s Traverse City campus. She is passionate about internal medicine and values building long-term relationships with patients.
As a token of our appreciation for your hard work and dedication over the years, Docs by the Bay offers a special discount exclusively for healthcare workers and their spouses. This discount includes waiving our registration fee and offering a 50% discount towards our monthly fee. This is our way of saying thank you for all that you do. We understand the challenges of your profession and are here to support your health and well-being.
Many Healthcare workers are healthy and only need an Annual Physical. This 50% discount also applies to our Limited Membership.
At Docs by the Bay, led by Dr. Thomas Ling and Dr. Mark Richmond, we’re bringing back the doctor-patient relationship—trusting, caring, and centered around your needs. With fewer patients per doctor, we ensure you receive the time and attention you deserve that’s often missing in today’s healthcare system.
Docs by the Bay is a new DPC practice dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care. Led by Dr. Thomas Ling and Dr. Mark Richmond, our practice is designed to prioritize your health with a patient-first approach. Please call to schedule an appointment. We do not accept walk-ins at this time.
If you’re considering signing up but would like to learn more, we invite you to schedule a complimentary appointment with a member of our team. We’re happy to walk you through the program and answer any questions you may have.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) has been shown to offer significant advantages for patients, including improved health outcomes and potential cost savings. Studies highlight the following benefits:
The benefits of Direct Primary Care are made possible through prompt attention to your health needs by experienced physicians who prioritize personalized care. Additionally, DPC practices can lead to significant monetary savings, as many patients report spending less overall on healthcare compared to traditional primary care practices.
Consider making the switch to Docs by the Bay and explore a healthcare experience where you truly come first.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone on our team directly, fill out a contact form or give us a call at 231-881-9054.
Please send all fax correspondence to 231-881-9052.
If you’re considering signing up but would like to learn more, we invite you to schedule a complimentary appointment with a member of our team. We’re happy to walk you through the program and answer any questions you may have.
