Frequently Asked Questions

When are the cornishes moving to vanuatu?

We expect to be in Vanuatu in July 2019.

How long will the cornishes be in vanuatu?

We are coming with the expectation of being in Vanuatu long term, though ultimately we expect to follow the impressions and guidance we receive.

How will DBM Patients be Selected?

On arrival in Vanuatu, Dokta Matt will begin meeting with families interested in subscribing to DBM services. As families are identified that are comfortable with the model and mission of DBM, those families will receive invitations to enroll. This will occur gradually, allowing first for the establishment of a teaching process at Vila Central Hospital.

The total number of patients will be extremely limited (representing a fraction of the typical 500 concierge patients). Though this will of course limit income, it should guarantee a high level of care while carefully protecting time for teaching, mentoring and infrastructure building.

how will scheduling work?

We will coordinate based on acuity. Preventative visits will be scheduled ahead of time. Problem-based visits will be scheduled according to need. However, if your child has an urgent or emergent need, she will receive that care immediately.

How will 'home leave' work?

We expect that the ideal time for holiday is during school breaks when DBM patients are most likely to be away. (We are happy to adjust if this is not the case.) Thus, we expect to take 4 weeks during one of these breaks which will include vacation as well as continuing education, training and relicensing. We also expect to take brief breaks every few months, likely over weekends or holidays.

We commit to doing all possible to provide remote access and coordination with local providers while we are away. Peers in the US have expressed desires to come to Vanuatu while we are away. We welcome input from our DBM families as to how to best adjust our approach such that we can best provide the highest level of sustainable care.

WHat is the cost?

Annual DBM subscriptions start at 300,000 vatu. This fee covers all offered features. It also includes the VAT and any available hard costs up to 10% of subscription cost.

The price for a second child is 270,000 vatu. Third and subsequent will be 240,000 vatu. We expect to offer adult services at 100,000 vatu, to be determined based on family preference.

how can subscription fees be paid?

Families will pay a yearly rate. This fee covers all preventative and urgent care, 24 hours a day. It does not cover incurred expenses such as supplies, medicines and hospital charges. 

Fees will need to be paid on an annual basis, covering 12 months from the time coverage begins. Methods currently accepted include cash, PayPal, direct deposit and bitcoin.

Sadly, monthly payments require greater administrative time, taking away from the principal mission.

Is episodic care an option?

Visit-based care is inconsistent with this model. The expectation is that each patient will require a significant initial time commitment and that once a preventative schedule is in place that more time can be devoted to teaching. Thankfully, there are a few very good general practitioners in Vila that offer episodic care.

It is our hope that we will have the resources to provide medical care to visiting family and friends of established DBM patients. They should expect to pay a per visit fee if such consultations are available. 

Similarly, we may be able to provide limited consultations remotely for former patients in the US on a cash-only basis.

What if arrangements don't work out?

With the concierge model, much of the time commitment comes at the beginning. Consequently, cancelling contracts midway is difficult. Were the need to arise, we hope to find amiable ways to part. Terminating a partial contract would be a last resort.

Similarly, were DBM needing to terminate your contract midway, this would also be a last resort. We would anticipate needing to do so only if severe circumstances arose (such as safety concerns or family emergencies). In such circumstances, refunds of subscription fees would be made on a prorated basis.

DBM retains the right to dismiss patients at any time if, after written warning, patient or family behavior does not meet appropriate standards of safety or respect. This includes an unwillingness to recognize the needs of others, especially those with higher acuity crises or VCH interns. This, too, would be an approach reserved only for extreme circumstances.

What if my child needs to be in hospital?

Good news! Because of our unique relationship with Vila Central Hospital, your child will be able to receive care there. This care will be directly supervised by Dokta Matt. By assuring the very best care while in Vila, not only does your child the highest standard of care available. The staff and interns at VCH also benefit.

Though there will be no additional fee from DBM for inpatient care, there is an expectation that DBM patients will make a donation to VCH beyond the minor hospital fee.