Gem State DPC June 2025 Newsletter
- Ashley Rider
- Jun 1
- 5 min read
8512 N Wayne Dr, Suite B, Hayden ID 83835
(We are on the right side near the handicap parking sign)
Here's What Has Happened In The Last Month and What's To Come! We are thrilled to announce that Gem State Direct Primary Care is officially open in our brand-new location at 8512 N Wayne Dr, Suite B, Hayden ID 83835! Stay tuned for our grand opening celebration details coming later this summer! There will be special promotions, exclusive offers, and a chance to tour our beautiful new space. Whether you’re a valued patient or new to our community, we’d love to welcome you and show you everything we’ve been working on. We’re excited to continue serving you with the same dedication and quality you’ve come to expect—now in an even better setting! We look forward to seeing you at our new home! |
We sincerely appreciate your patience and support as we transitioned to our new location. Your understanding means the world to us, and we’re excited to continue providing you with the best care in our new space! Thank you for being part of our journey. Warmest Regards, Valerie Rounds FNP-
Why I Left The Hospital System to Start a Direct Primary Care Practice
For years, I worked in the hospital setting—seeing patients on packed schedules, navigating complex insurance requirements, and doing my best to provide care within a system that often felt more focused on efficiency than true healing. While I loved my patients and took pride in my work, I began to feel like something was missing.
I entered medicine because I wanted to build meaningful relationships with my patients—to be their trusted advocate, not just another rushed provider in a revolving door of appointments. But in the traditional healthcare system, that vision felt increasingly out of reach.
After years of frustration, I decided to make a change. After working alongside my colleagues at Summit Health, I once again found myself wanting to do more for my patients, so I founded my own Direct Primary Care practice, Gem State Direct Primary Care. I believe healthcare should be personal, affordable, and accessible.
At Gem State Direct Primary Care, I work directly with my patients—no insurance middlemen, no hidden fees, no rushed appointments. My patients pay a simple monthly fee, and in return, they get unlimited visits, direct access to me, and the peace of mind that their health is a priority.
Leaving the hospital setting wasn’t easy. The transition to running my own practice meant stepping into unfamiliar territory—business management, marketing, and operational logistics that medical school never covered. That’s when I realized that bringing on Ashley Rider, MBA as our Director of Operations was the key to turning my vision into reality—helping to bridge the gap between my passion for patient care and the fulfillment of running a truly patient-centered practice.
Now, in my DPC practice, I get to practice medicine the way it was meant to be. I can spend real time with my patients, understanding their concerns, educating them on their health, and working collaboratively to achieve wellness goals. No more rushed visits. No more waiting weeks for an appointment. Just quality care built on trust, accessibility, and compassion.
It’s modern medicine delivered in the old-fashioned way—the way it should be. Strong provider-patient relationships, personalized care, and the ability to prioritize wellness over bureaucracy.
To those considering making the leap—whether you’re a provider frustrated with the current system or a patient searching for more personal healthcare—I encourage you to explore Gem State Direct Primary Care. It’s not just a business model; it’s a movement toward better medicine, genuine relationships, and care that truly puts patients first.
With a reputation for treating patients with empathy and a high level of individualized attention, Valerie has made significant contributions to the lives of the patients she cares for. She began her career within a large medical system, where she gained valuable experience and expertise. Driven by her passion for patient-centered care, she made the transition to direct primary care, a model that allows her to focus closely on building meaningful relationships with her patients.
Valerie is known for her warm bedside manner and her commitment to treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. She believes in taking time to listen to her patients and working collaboratively to create personalized healthcare plans. Her patients appreciate her dedication and the genuine care she provides in every interaction.
Valerie completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and obtained her Masters of Family Nurse Practitioner degree at Gonzaga University. Valerie continues to demonstrate a high level of compassion and devotion for the well-being of her patients. She aspires to offer timely and affordable access to quality health care throughout the community.
When Valerie is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, camping, hiking, and gardening.
Ashley has over 18 years of experience in the field and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated extensive expertise in all administrative and business operations tasks, with specialized skills in scheduling, correspondence, and project coordination. Her strong organizational abilities and attention to detail ensure the smooth functioning of complex systems and processes within Gem State Direct Primary Care.
Ashley has held key positions across diverse industries, including legal, dental, mental health, and business organizations, utilizing cutting-edge data management systems to drive efficiency and promote operational excellence. Her adaptability and cross-disciplinary experience provide her with a wealth of institutional knowledge, making her an invaluable resource for the Summit Health and Wellness team.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ashley is deeply committed to her community. She actively contributes through volunteer work with multiple Pacific Northwest organizations, bringing the same level of dedication to her philanthropic efforts as she does to her career. A firm believer in work-life balance, Ashley cherishes quality time with her family and views this as an essential aspect of her well-being.
A Few Notes To Remember
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Streamlining Out-Of-Network Claims for Our Patients |
We are excited to announce that Gem State Direct Primary Care has partnered with Reimbursify, making it easier than ever for you to take advantage of your out-of-network benefits and put money back in your pocket! At Gem State Direct Primary Care, we remain committed to delivering personalized, affordable, and hassle-free care to our patients. Our approach prioritizes unlimited, extended visit times—free from the constraints of insurance company policies—so you receive the time and attention you deserve.
While Gem State Direct Primary Care offers a range of valuable benefits, we also recognize that many of our members may have existing insurance coverage. That’s why we’ve found a way to help you utilize your insurance benefits without compromising the comprehensive, patient-centered care that sets our practice apart. With Reimbursify, you can seamlessly use our office as an out-of-network practitioner, allowing you to focus on your care while we handle the paperwork. Navigating insurance claims can be frustrating and time-consuming—but our skilled operations team will simplify the process and file your out-of-network medical claims for you!
Instead of dealing with lengthy delays or complex forms, reimbursements are sent directly to your home address, making it easier for you to receive what you’re entitled to. Our goal is to eliminate the stress of insurance claims, so you can focus on what truly matters—your health. Ready to simplify your out-of-network claims? Contact us today to learn more about maximizing your out-of-network benefits with Reimbursify. *For individual & commercial plans only; Medicaid and Medicare plans do not apply. |
Thank you for reading!
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