FAQ

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. Dr. Alena Comella is accepting new adult and pediatric patients at our South Portland office. Dr. Hagopian's panel is currently full. Book a free meet-and-greet to see if we're a good fit.

Where are you located, and who do you serve?

We're at 144 Thadeus St, Suite 1, South Portland, Maine. Our patients come from the greater Portland area and beyond.

How much does it cost?

Memberships are $59/month for children, $95/month for adults 18 to 49, and $115/month for adults 50 and up, plus a one-time $75 enrollment fee. Office visits are $0.

Do you see children?

Yes. Children can join at $59/month when at least one adult in the family is a member.

What if I have Medicare?

Unfortunately, we're unable to enroll patients with Medicare at this time. We're happy to point you toward other options in the area.

Can I use my HSA to pay for membership?

Starting in 2026, federal law allows HSA funds to pay for direct primary care memberships up to set monthly limits, and DPC no longer disqualifies you from contributing to an HSA. Our memberships fall under those limits.

How do I sign up?

Book a free meet-and-greet with Dr. Comella online or call 207-544-9800. If it feels like a good fit, we'll enroll you and request your records.

Wait… this is so different from what I’m used to through insurance… I don’t get it.

We felt the same way when we first started reading about direct primary care (DPC). This is absolutely a change from what most people are used to when it comes to using their insurance card. But the bottom line is that using your insurance for the basic care you need makes things more rushed and more expensive.

Doctors and hospitals get paid mainly based on volume and data entry. This is why your doctor usually only spends a few rushed minutes with you, all while they are furiously typing into a computer; the more patients they see and the more they do and enter into the medical record, the more their clinic or hospital gets paid. This type of system is incompatible with quality, personalized healthcare.

can DPC give me better healthcare and save me money?

Absolutely. Most people are paying too much for insurance and getting too little. Combining DPC with a health share or a high-deductible insurance plan can not only lead to better healthcare, it can save a significant amount of money.

Do I need insurance to belong to your practice?

No. While in today’s world it is essential that everyone has additional coverage to protect them in case of serious medical illness and while we strongly recommend all patients get additional coverage through either traditional health insurance or a health share, some patients simply can’t afford additional coverage.

how Is this different from concierge medicine?

Concierge medicine bills you and your insurance. It’s typically for the healthy and wealthy. DPC is often referred to as concierge for the masses because it is high quality, personalized care but the costs are substantially less, making it accessible to everyone.

wHAT’S wrong with our healthcare system?

It doesn’t work for patients or doctors because it is run by corporate hospitals and insurance companies. We spent a collective dozen years working in the system but it wasn’t fulfilling. We did not feel as though we were providing excellent medical care because of the constraints of the current system. DPC is a better way forward that allows us to take better care of our patients and ourselves.