Making Healthcare Human Again
Affordable, Integrative Direct Primary Care in Charleston, SC—unlimited visits, no insurance required.
Where Healing Feels Human Again
Born from experience. Built on compassion. Rooted in truth.
Lowcountry Wellness Center first opened its doors in
2017, but everything truly shifted in
2018 when founder
Dr. Penni Vachon, APRN became a patient herself. After being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, she experienced firsthand how the traditional healthcare system falls short—especially when it comes to
finding the root cause.
What she needed didn’t exist—so she built it.
Lowcountry Wellness Center became more than a clinic. It became a mission-driven space for people who are tired of being dismissed, rushed, and told “everything looks normal” when nothing feels normal.
In
2022, the mission deepened again when Penni was diagnosed with
Lyme disease—connecting the dots of a lifetime of symptoms and reinforcing her commitment to helping others who are still searching for answers.
That’s why we’re here.
That’s why we believe in
Making Healthcare Human Again.
Through the
Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, we offer affordable, integrative, and personalized care that puts you at the center. We treat people, not lab results. We ask deeper questions, spend more time, and walk beside you—whether you're navigating chronic illness or simply seeking a more meaningful approach to wellness.
If you're looking for care that sees all of you, you're in the right place.
Affordable,
Comprehensive
&
Personalized
Healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model focused on personal relationships between patients and our Nurse Practitioners, offering healthcare services for a flat monthly fee. This model emphasizes preventive care, treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and overall health maintenance without the traditional insurance constraints.
How does membership at Lowcountry Wellness Center work?
Membership is a monthly subscription covering a wide range of primary care services, including unlimited consultations, annual physical exams, basic lab tests, wellness, and nutritional counseling. It's designed to be simple and affordable, encouraging proactive healthcare use.
What if I need medical attention after hours?
For urgent matters after hours, members can reach their Nurse Practitioner via phone or text, offering peace of mind with access to care when needed most.
What are the different types of memberships available?
We offer two membership plans: Foundational Plan for basic primary care needs; and Health Optimizer Plan, which includes a whole body detox and a deeper dive into root cause medicine.
What is the cost of an individual visit?
We exclusively see active members through our membership model, focusing on long-term relationships and comprehensive care. We do not offer individual visit options, emphasizing the value of ongoing, proactive health management.
Do I still need health insurance if I join Lowcountry Wellness Center?
Health insurance is not required to become a member of Lowcountry Wellness Center. However, we highly recommend pairing your Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership with a health share plan, such as Sedera. Health share plans can provide additional coverage for unexpected medical expenses like hospitalizations, surgeries, or specialist care, complementing the comprehensive services you receive through your DPC membership. This combination offers a more affordable and complete approach to managing your healthcare needs.
Can I use my HSA/FSA to pay for my membership?
Often, yes. HSAs and FSAs can usually be used for DPC memberships, but we advise checking with your account administrator or financial advisor to confirm based on current IRS rules.
What is your approach to holistic health and wellness?
Our approach treats the whole person, not just symptoms, incorporating lifestyle modifications, nutrition, stress management, and preventive care tailored to individual needs and goals.
Are vaccinations required for children to become patients?
We support informed parent choice regarding vaccinations. Our Nurse Practitioner will discuss the risks and benefits, but we do not carry vaccines in the office. Decisions on vaccinations do not affect patient acceptance or continuity of care.
How do I communicate with my Nurse Practitioner?
Patients can communicate directly with their Nurse Practitioner via phone, text, or email, ensuring open, accessible communication for prompt health concerns addressing.
Can I see a specialist if I need one?
Yes, we refer to specialists as needed, coordinating with you to choose the best specialist for your situation and ensuring continuity of care.
Can your Nurse Practitioner prescribe medications and assist with medication refills?
Yes, our Nurse Practitioners at Lowcountry Wellness Center have prescriptive authority in South Carolina, allowing them to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, and assist with medication refills.
Do you have a Doctor in the office?
At Lowcountry Wellness Center, Dr. Penni is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a highly trained and experienced nurse practitioner. Our entire team of providers is exceptionally qualified to meet your healthcare needs. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are educated and trained to provide a wide range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and prescribing medications.
While NPs are not medical doctors (MDs), they are licensed healthcare providers with advanced degrees and extensive clinical experience. In South Carolina, NPs have the authority to diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently, ensuring you receive high-quality, personalized care. You’re in great hands with our team!
Are you my primary care provider, or do I need to keep another primary care provider?
Yes, at Lowcountry Wellness Center, we serve as your primary care provider. With our Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, we focus on providing comprehensive, personalized care to address all your primary healthcare needs. There’s no need to keep another primary care provider unless you choose to do so for specific reasons. We’re here to be your first point of contact for managing your health, coordinating care, and supporting your wellness journey.
How long are the appointments?
For patients aged 18 and older, the first appointment is 90 minutes. During this visit, you and your provider will review your health history, current concerns, and future health goals. A separate 90-minute appointment will be scheduled for a comprehensive physical exam, including fasting labs. These two appointments cannot be combined.
For newborns to age 12, the first appointment is 60 minutes and includes a wellness check and a history intake. For patients aged 12 to 18, the first appointment is also 60 minutes, focused on history intake, with a separate 60-minute wellness check scheduled afterward.