New allergy clinic first to use direct-care model for specialty care in Iowa

A new allergy and immunology clinic in West Des Moines is bringing a direct-care model to specialty medicine. Allergenix, which opened in March under Iowa’s direct-care law, operates without billing insurance. It instead publishes prices for care services on its website. The direct-care model, which has spread to practices across the country, according to a news release, is also meant to provide faster access and allow physicians more time with patients. “This isn’t a trend chasing novelty. It’s a response to where insurance-based care has taken over what matters the most,” Dr. Sean Stanga, founder of Allergenix and an allergy/immunology and pediatrics physician, said in a prepared statement. “Practices like this are opening across the country because patients and physicians want that relationship back, on their own terms rather than an insurer’s. Iowa families and employers now have that option here.”