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At BowTie Medical, we believe great care shouldn’t come with confusion — that’s why we’ve compiled clear, concise answers to the questions we hear most from members, employers, and partners. From how our physician-led model works to understanding costs, coverage, and coordination, this page walks you through the essentials so you can make confident decisions. Still have a question? Our team is just a call or message away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you
to Know
Need
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About BowTie Medical
What is BowTie Medical? BowTie Medical is a membership-based healthcare organization that provides proactive, preventive and personalized care. We're focused on helping you stay healthy, not just treating you when you're sick. Our Health Guardianship model offers you an interdisciplinary team of nurses, physicians and health coaches to serve as your Health Guardians. With us you have one team dedicated to the health of you and your family.
Is BowTie Medical health insurance? No, BowTie Medical is not health insurance, we are care providers. With BowTie, you get direct access to care, including virtual primary care, health coaching, and care coordination -- all for a transparent and predictable price. You can still use your health insurance while taking advantage of BowTie's services.
Who can receive care from BowTie? BowTie membership is available for individuals, families and employees participating through participating organizations. There are no network restrictions or pre-existing condition exclusions. We currently care for ages 6 and above.
Can I use BowTie if I already have insurance or a cost-sharing plan? Yes, BowTie works alongside any existing coverage (employer plans, Marketplace, Medicare, Medi-Share, etc.) to reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve care coordination.
What makes BowTie different from other healthcare options? Traditional healthcare can be reactive, rushed and confusing. BowTie is different because we: - Focus on prevention and whole-person care - Offer unlimited access to your care team by phone or virtual visit - Assign every member a Health Guardian team that will get to truly know you - your history, preferences, and goals - for seamless, personalized coordination = Provide transparent pricing with no surprise bills - Deliver unhurried, personalized care that prioritizes you
Membership & Getting Started
How do I sign up for BowTie Medical? For Individuals, it’s easy to join online in just a few minutes. Once your membership is confirmed, your dedicated Guardian team will reach out to welcome you and help schedule your first appointment.
What happens after I join? You’ll: - Select your Primary Care Provider and meet your Guardian team - Schedule your first virtual visit - Get access to the BowTie Member Portal - Fill out your Health History Questionnaire - Begin personalized, ongoing care designed around you
Is there a contract or cancellation fee? No long-term contracts. You can cancel anytime with 30 days’ notice and no penalties.
How soon can I start using BowTie after signing up? Most members have their first Guardian team outreach and virtual visit scheduled within 48 hours of enrollment.
Do I need to change my current doctor? No, you can keep your existing providers but we do recommend switching to a BowTie provider. You always have a choice in your provider and our goal is to earn your trust. However, staying with a traditional doctor means missing unlimited virtual primary/urgent care with $0 copays, same-day phone/app access, a dedicated Health Guardianship team that proactively fights for your best care (not the hospital’s profits), wholesale pricing on labs/meds/imaging, and no deductibles—while keeping rushed visits, long waits, and higher costs. Your Guardian team can coordinate with your current physician or connect you to high-quality specialists in our nationwide network.
Does my location matter? No, BowTie has physicians licensed in all 50 states, so you get seamless care whether you're at home, traveling, or relocating.
What if I need care while traveling? Your membership works nationwide. Virtual care is available 24/7, and your Guardian team can arrange in-person care anywhere in the U.S.
Can I enroll my family or employees? Yes, BowTie Medical offers individual, family, and employer-sponsored plans so you can cover yourself, your loved ones, or your entire team under one seamless membership. Your Guardian team coordinates care for every enrolled member with the same proactive, $0 out-of-pocket model.
Your Care & What to Expect
How does BowTie's virtual primary care work? BowTie's virtual primary care operates through its Health Guardianship model, where each member is assigned a dedicated physician who provides unlimited access via phone, app, or secure messaging for primary and urgent needs, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, with 24/7 emergency support. This integrates direct primary care and concierge navigation to deliver proactive, personalized care from anywhere—such as home or work—focusing on prevention, chronic management, and coordinating specialty referrals without hospital biases or deductibles. If in-person care is needed, your Health Guardians arrange seamless options at $0 out-of-pocket through partnered providers, ensuring timely, cost-effective solutions.
What is BowTie Health Guardianship®? Health Guardianship is BowTie Medical’s physician-led membership model that gives you a dedicated team of Health Guardians—doctors, nurses, navigators, and coaches—who know you personally and proactively manage your care. This team coordinates every aspect of your health, from scheduling appointments and securing the best pricing and quality to keeping your care on track with no gaps or surprises. With Health Guardianship, you’re never alone in the healthcare system—you have a trusted partner focused on keeping you healthy, not just treating you when you’re sick.
How is BowTie’s virtual care different from typical telehealth? Typical telehealth care is designed for quick, one-off visits. BowTie’s virtual primary care is relationship-based. Your provider knows your history, follows up, and, as a part of your Health Guardianship team, works to coordinate every aspect of your care.
How do I reach my Health Guardians? You can reach your Guardians through the BowTie Member Portal or by phone/text. You can also download the Fold Care App to have all contact options in one place along with member portal access. Once reached, your Health Guardians will help connect you to the right care quickly and easily.
How quickly can I get care? Most members are connected with their provider either the same or the following day. Urgent issues are prioritized immediately.
What if I prefer in-person visits? BowTie Medical is a virtual-first healthcare model with a focus on delivering as much care as safely and effectively as possible to you wherever you are. If you are experiencing an issue that cannot be handled virtually, your dedicated Health Guardians will coordinate a seamless in-person option at $0 out-of-pocket cost—such as a primary care physician (PCP) office visit, routine OB/GYN exam, or specialist consultation—through our network of high-quality, independent providers or onsite workplace events. This ensures you get the hands-on care you need without delays, deductibles, or hospital system biases, while keeping the majority of your routine needs virtual for ultimate convenience.
Can my BowTie Provider prescribe controlled substances? No — BowTie Health Guardians do not prescribe controlled substances (Schedule II–V medications like opioids, stimulants, or certain anxiety meds). If specific controlled substances are in your best interest, we can navigate you to the appropriate provider.
Coverage & Transparency
What’s included in my BowTie membership? Your membership covers: - Unlimited virtual visits with BowTie clinicians - 24/7 nurse triage line - A dedicated Health Guardianship team - Integrated care coordination - Access to health coaching and behavioral health support All of this at no extra cost.
What types of care does BowTie provide? We manage most everyday and chronic health needs virtually, including: - Cold, flu, strep, and COVID - Rashes and skin issues - Diabetes, hypertension, and asthma - Mental Health triage - Lifestyle and preventive health goals When in-person care is needed, we’ll help coordinate it for you.
What if I need a service outside of BowTie? If a specialist visit, imaging, or procedure is needed, your Health Guardians will help you find a high-quality provider and navigate your insurance. Services outside BowTie are billed separately through your insurance or direct payment.
How much does BowTie cost? Your membership includes all covered services for a single, transparent monthly rate — with no copays, no deductibles, and no surprise bills. You’ll always know what’s included before receiving care. For any services outside the plan, your Guardians negotiate cash-pay pricing to save you 30–70% off standard rates. Learn more about our pricing on our For Individuals page.
How is BowTie more transparent than traditional healthcare? We believe you should be a smart consumer of your own health - not a passive patient in the dark. With BowTie, you get predictable monthly pricing, $0 out-of-pocket for coordinated care, and full visibility into every step - from what’s covered to what it costs - so you’re always in control, never surprised.
Whole-Person Health & Prevention
Does BowTie only handle physical health? No, BowTie delivers whole-person care that goes beyond physical symptoms. Your dedicated Guardian team integrates medical, behavioral, and lifestyle support to address your complete health picture, from chronic conditions to stress management, all in one coordinated plan.
What is Health Coaching? Health Coaching connects you with a certified coach who helps you set and achieve personal health goals, like improving nutrition, increasing activity, reducing stress, or managing chronic conditions. This service is included in your membership.
What preventive care does BowTie focus on? Prevention is at the heart of what we do. From annual physicals and screenings to lifestyle guidance and chronic condition management, BowTie helps you stay ahead of health issues before they start.
What are Care Journeys and which chronic conditions do they manage? BowTie’s Care Journeys are personalized, physician-led pathways that guide you from risk assessment through proactive treatment and ongoing support - all with $0 out-of-pocket for coordinated care. We manage common, modifiable chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, PCOS, asthma, and musculoskeletal issues through medication, monitoring, and lifestyle coaching tailored to your needs.
Experience & Trust
Why do physicians choose to work with BowTie? Our clinicians joined BowTie to escape the rushed, volume-driven model of traditional healthcare. They believe in spending more time with patients, building lasting relationships, and focusing on true health outcomes - not quotas.
What do members love most about BowTie? Members often say they finally feel heard. They appreciate: - Shorter wait times - Personalized, unhurried conversations - Clear communication and pricing - Compassionate support from their care team of Health Guardians