How Direct Specialty Care is Saving Patients & Employers Thousands
In our latest episode of Take Charge with HELPcare, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Steve Borene, an anesthesiologist and co-founder of Renovo Health. It was one of the most eye-opening conversations we've had on the podcast—a real-world look at how the direct care model, especially direct specialty care, is transforming healthcare for patients, providers, and employers alike.
Dr. Borene shared his journey from traditional hospital employment to launching a direct specialty care practice in Wisconsin. Like many physicians, he started his career with the idealistic belief that healthcare was about serving people. But after years in an employed system where he couldn’t even offer a patient a discount—or work out a payment plan without going through layers of administration—he knew something had to change.
That change came in the form of Renovo Health, a direct specialty care clinic where he and his team offer transparent pricing, personalized care, and fast access to procedures like colonoscopies, hysterectomies, orthopedic surgeries, and medical infusions. No middlemen. No surprise bills. Just bundled, upfront prices that patients and employers can count on.
One of the most powerful examples Dr. Borene shared was of a patient who had a “free” screening colonoscopy under his insurance plan—until a polyp was found. The procedure was re-coded, and he ended up with a $17,000 bill. When he came to Renovo for a follow-up years later, the exact same procedure cost under $3,000—and included everything, no matter how many polyps were removed.
And this doesn’t just benefit patients. Employers who partner with Renovo are seeing massive cost savings. One company spends about $1,000 to send an employee for a colonoscopy—including gas, hotel, and time off—and saves an average of $6,000 per case. That’s a clear win-win.
What struck me most was Dr. Borene’s emphasis on accountability and relationship. In the direct care model, providers put their names and reputations on the line. They’re not hidden behind systems or codes. And because the pricing is upfront, patients make informed decisions instead of being blindsided by bills months later.
This is the same philosophy we believe in at HELPcare Clinic. We’ve seen how direct primary care helps patients actually use their healthcare, rather than avoid it out of fear of cost. And Dr. Borene’s approach to direct specialty care is a perfect complement—making timely procedures like colonoscopies and gynecological surgery accessible and affordable.
If you're an employer looking to lower healthcare costs without compromising quality, or a patient who wants clarity and trust in your medical care, I highly recommend learning more about what Dr. Borene and Renovo Health are doing. Visit the Renovo website to explore their offerings.
We’re grateful to have had Dr. Borene on the show, and we’ll continue spotlighting innovators like him who are helping people take charge of their health—and their healthcare.
Here's the episode:
To get a new audio episode of Take Charge with HELPcare each Monday, be sure to subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch the video edition by subscribing to the HELPcare YouTube channel.
If you know a family medicine practitioner — a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant — who would be a good fit for HELPcare Clinic, or a specialist like Dr. Borene interested in exploring direct specialty care, pass along this link to our HELPcare Careers page.
Share this:
Like
Helpful
Hug