Health care in America has long been criticized for its focus on quantity over quality, leaving both patients and providers frustrated. Two medical professionals, ARNP Ebony Graham and Dr. Kayla Navarro, have taken matters into their own hands by launching a direct primary care practice designed to give patients more time, attention, and access to essential care. The impetus for establishing Complete Family Medical and Specialty, located on East 29th Avenue came out of an abundance of concern and compassion.
The Journey to Change
Graham, a former nurse turned nurse practitioner, has been in the medical field for over two decades. “I started off as a CNA, then became an LPN, then an RN, and eventually a nurse practitioner. It took time, but I kept moving forward,” she shared. Dr. Navarro, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), has been practicing medicine for over four years post-residency. The two met while working together at Chas Clinics and quickly bonded over their shared frustrations with the traditional health care system.
“We were seeing more and more patients, feeling overwhelmed, and realizing that we weren’t providing the quality care we wanted to,” Dr. Navarro explained. “We started talking about opening our own practice about a year ago, and now here we are.”
A Need for Something Different
Their motivation stemmed from a system that prioritizes numbers over people. “In traditional health care, we are constantly pressured to see more patients in less time,” Dr. Navarro said. “We don’t want to tell patients, ‘You can only address one concern today.’ Our philosophy as D.O.s is about treating the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.”
This approach led them to the direct primary care (DPC) model, a membership-based system that removes the barriers of insurance and billing complexities. Patients pay a flat monthly fee–typically $100-$150–and receive unlimited visits, longer consultations, and direct access to their providers.
The Benefits of Direct Primary Care
The DPC model allows patients to receive care without the long wait times that plague traditional systems. “Right now, new patients at major health care providers are waiting up to six months for an appointment,” Graham said. “With us, patients can get in within a day or a week. That’s the access people need.”
Beyond accessibility, the model fosters deeper patient-provider relationships. “When we can spend 30 to 45 minutes with a patient instead of being rushed through a 10-minute visit, we can educate them on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and prevention,” Graham explained. “That’s how we make a real impact.”
Dr. Navarro also highlighted studies from the UK showing that this model leads to fewer emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and overall better health outcomes. “When patients have direct, timely access to their primary care doctor, they are less likely to end up in the ER for preventable issues.”
Medication and Affordability
A common concern with DPC is the cost of medication. However, patients can still use insurance for prescriptions, and Graham and Dr. Navarro can order medications at wholesale prices, offering significant discounts. “We also refer patients to discount programs like Cost Plus medications,” Dr. Navarro added.
Bridging the Gap in Marginalized Communities
Recognizing the disparities in health care access for Black and marginalized communities, Graham and Dr. Navarro are committed to outreach and education. “We recently partnered with Shades of Motherhood to provide prenatal and postpartum care, particularly for Black women who are at higher risk for complications like preeclampsia,” Graham shared.
Additionally, they are bringing back an old tradition in health care – home visits. “Home visits are rare nowadays, but we want to meet people where they are. If someone can’t get to us, we’ll go to them,” she said. Ensuring that all people have adequate access to care is a priority for the pair.
A Message to Future Health Care Workers
Graham, who started as a CNA and worked her way up, offers advice to students interested in health care careers: “You don’t have to have it all figured out at once. Take small steps and keep moving forward. Every milestone – whether it’s becoming a CNA, LPN, or RN – is worth celebrating.” She continues by sharing that surrounding yourself with people who believe in you is a powerful part of thriving in the profession and it builds confidence.
A New Era of Patient-Centered Care
In an industry that often feels impersonal and rushed, Graham and Dr. Navarro are redefining health care by prioritizing relationships, accessibility, and holistic well-being. Their practice is not just a business – it’s a revolution in how care is delivered.
For patients tired of long wait times, insurance headaches, and impersonal visits, this model offers a refreshing alternative: a doctor’s office where quality truly comes first.
Learn more about the services they offer by going to: www.completefamilymedical.com.