Frequently Asked Questions

OB-GYN located in Falmouth, ME

WHAT IS DIRECT CARE?

Direct care is a fee-for-service model that bypasses the insurance company entirely. It allows the patient and the provider to operate outside the restrictions of an insurance company’s policies. With direct care, physicians contract directly with the patient.

WHY DON'T YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

In short, we don’t accept insurance because we believe medical care should be accessible and straightforward. The direct care model offers predictable costs at a manageable price. Without the red-tape of insurance, we can focus on what we do best: taking care of you.

DO I HAVE TO GET A MEMBERSHIP?

No, you don’t have to get a membership. While we believe a membership with Higher Ground Women’s Health provides the most value, it is not required. Patients have the opportunity to pay the individual costs associated with each visit instead.

You can visit our Pricing & Services page for more information.

I TRIED TO BOOK A 15 MINUTE APPOINTMENT, BUT I COULDN'T.

At Higher Ground Women’s Medical, we don’t offer 15 minute check-ins. We don’t believe in them. We think it’s important to have time to get to know you, your medical history, and your needs. Our team will always schedule ample time for you to share your experiences, ask questions, or anything else that might arise.

WHAT DOES "HIGHER GROUND" MEAN?

Patient, Entrepreneur

The name “Higher Ground” marks a significant day in Dr. Lisa’s life and career. As she shares:

In the summer of 2013 or maybe 2014, I quit my full time job at a hospital that I had loved, and whose practice and patients loved me. It was just a knowing that my time there had come to a close. It was now time for me to switch from autopilot to “Lisa, what do YOU want to do? Where are you supposed to be? What is your path?”

Asking these questions was incredible. Powerful, but scary.

That day, I was on my way home from a per diem gig at the hospital as the overwhelm — and doubt — seeped into my brain. It was a sunny day in Maine. I was driving, sunroof open, along the river, and UB40’s “Higher Ground” comes on — blaring — through my radio.

Of course, there was construction. There is always construction. But this time, there was also a man with a stop sign looking at me!

As I waited there, the song goes on: “Every hour of every day, I’m learning more, the more I learn the less I know about before, the less I know , the more I want to look around, digging deep for clues on higher ground.”

The stop sign man breaks out in a huge smile and we are both dancing. He’s using his sign as a microphone, I’m busting a move from my car seat, and we are singing together. And as I’m laughing, sun streaming, I have this feeling in my heart.

I knew I was on the right path. I knew it would be ok. And I knew I should keep going.

This moment is etched in my heart. I am grateful for it, and the ability to listen. This was the creation of Higher Ground Women’s Health, and a reflection of what I want for every person walking through the door.

This is about wanting more, reaching for safety, and a higher vantage point.