Patient-Centered Direct Primary Care Serving the Chattanooga Community

At Ridge & River Medicine, we offer direct primary care services designed around one simple goal: a stronger, more personal relationship with your doctor. Our membership-based model includes visits lasting as long as you need, convenient scheduling, and direct access to your personal physician. Whether you need preventive care, chronic disease management, or a thoughtful medical partner, we're here to provide comprehensive, high-quality care close to home.

Our Services

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  • Your wellness is our number one priority. Dr. Joe Furr gets to know you and offers personalized guidance to improve your health. Our appointments last as long as you need, typically 30-60 minutes, so we can work together to help you achieve your health goals. Our preventative services include regular check-ups, screenings, and custom health planning.

  • We offer virtual and home visits to fit your busy schedule. You shouldn’t have to take time off work to stay healthy. You can call, text, or video chat with your primary care doctor instead of waiting weeks or months for an appointment. We take a limited number of patients to ensure Dr. Furr is available when you need him.

  • Medications are often essential, but lasting health requires a whole-person approach. Dr. Furr partners with you on sustainable lifestyle changes, cost-effective treatment options, and clear education so you can confidently manage chronic conditions and stay engaged in the activities that matter to you. Dr. Furr provides education and support that empowers you to take control of your health and proactively manage chronic conditions, so you feel better faster.

  • We offer same and next-day appointments to address urgent issues right away with your personal physician. Whether it's a stomach ache or something more serious, direct access to your doctor means timely guidance you can trust. When you're unsure about your symptoms, you can reach out to Dr. Furr directly for reassurance and support in making the right decision. We’re here to give you peace of mind in knowing you always have the care you need when you need it.

  • We partner with companies that offer discounts when you pay cash for their services. Many patients with high-deductible plans can save money by paying cash for these services. Companies often charge far less for care when they are not billing insurance.

  • We offer a range of point-of-care tests to save you time and money. Many traditional practices will refer you to a lab because their providers don’t have time to perform simple procedures. We provide as much of your care as possible within our direct care practice to help you get the most out of your membership.

  • As your primary care provider, we are often the first point of contact when mental health issues arise. We offer support for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health issues. We can refer you for additional support and resources online or in the Chattanooga community. We are always here to listen and support you.

  • Dr. Furr takes time to investigate your symptoms, understand your health history, and listen closely to your concerns. While the limits of traditional healthcare have led to a surge of specialist referrals, we strive to provide as much care as possible within our practice, saving you time and money. If you require a specialist referral, we’ll help coordinate your care and work collaboratively with specialists to help you get the support you need to get healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Membership Basics

  • We offer two monthly plans:

    Core Plan ($60/month): Includes two home visits and unlimited virtual visits, same- or next-day scheduling for acute issues, 24/7 phone access for urgent concerns only (after-hours calls reserved for true urgent needs), care coordination, transparent pricing on wholesale labs, imaging, and medications, and referrals as needed. There are never any co-pays or surprise bills.

    Comprehensive Plan ($95/month): Includes everything in the Core Plan. Adds unlimited home visits, Dr. Furr’s personal cell for 24/7 calls/texts (after-hours access with no limitations), free quarterly wellness reviews and annual labs.

    *Contact us to see if your location falls within our home visit area. We’re happy to check availability based on your address.

  • Yes, but it’s flexible. Membership is billed monthly and can be canceled anytime with 30 days' notice. If you've used included services (like labs or a physical), we may bill you for those before closing your account.

  • If you're experiencing financial hardship, we may be able to pause your membership or offer a prepaid visit bundle. Reach out, and we’ll work with you on a plan.

  • Yes. A one-time visit is $125 and includes a complete evaluation and treatment plan.

Insurance & Coverage

  • No, we don’t bill insurance. You pay us directly. But you can still use insurance for prescriptions, labs, imaging, or specialists.

  • Yes, for major needs like surgery, hospital care, or emergencies. Many members pair our services with high-deductible plans or health shares.

  • Sometimes. Many patients use HSA/FSA funds for membership or visit bundles, especially if paying semi-annually. We can provide documentation, but please confirm with your tax advisor.

Access & Communication

  • Message or call us anytime through our secure app. You’ll always hear from Dr. Furr or Alex, not a call center. Comprehensive members get 24/7 direct access to Dr. Furr.

  • Yes. Many concerns can be addressed by phone or video. We recommend that your first visit be in person to build rapport.

  • We limit our patient panel to 500 (vs. the usual 2,000+), so you get more time, same or next-day access, and direct care from your personal physician who knows you. No rushed visits, no insurance middlemen, just care built around you.

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Services Beyond the Clinic

  • Yes. Point-of-care basics (flu, strep, urinalysis) are included. For other labs or imaging, we partner with providers offering low cash prices, which are often cheaper than insurance. You can still use your insurance with outside companies if preferred. We also help with prescriptions and offer access to wholesale prices or home delivery, making it easier for you to get the medications you need.

  • We’ll refer you to a trusted specialist and help coordinate your care. You can use insurance or opt for independent providers with transparent pricing.

  • Dr. Furr doesn’t admit patients directly, but he can consult, coordinate with the hospital team, and support your recovery afterward, ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home.

Accessibility & Special Populations

  • Absolutely. We specialize in thoughtful, relationship-based care that removes the barriers of traditional health systems. Whether you need regular support or just someone who listens, we’re here for you.

  • Almost—just not immediately. Because Dr. Furr is still in the formal Medicare opt-out process required for Direct Primary Care, Medicare beneficiaries will join a short waiting list during our start-up phase. As soon as CMS confirms the opt-out (typically one calendar quarter after filing), we’ll invite people from the list to enroll and sign the standard private contract. After that, you’ll pay our membership fee directly, while Medicare can still cover outside services such as imaging, specialists, or hospital care.

  • Medicaid requires doctors to bill through its system, so we can’t accept Medicaid as payment. However, if you’d like to self-pay, you’re welcome to join, and we’ll help keep your costs low.

  • Click the button below or schedule a meet & greet to learn more. We’ll walk you through everything.

Ready for a better kind of primary care?

At Ridge & River Medicine, we offer a unique approach to primary care. Join a practice where you’re known, heard, and cared for like family. Whether you need help to manage a chronic condition or just want to stay ahead of your health, you'll find a doctor who takes time to listen and fully address your concerns.

Thinking about joining but want to learn more?
Schedule a complimentary meet & greet; no commitment required!

We’d love to learn more about you and share how we're bringing medicine back to what matters: genuine relationships and patient-centered care.