What Is Direct Primary Care — And Why Peosta Families Love It
If you've ever sat in a waiting room for 45 minutes only to spend 7 minutes with your doctor, you already understand why so many people are frustrated with traditional healthcare. There's a better way — and it's called Direct Primary Care (DPC).
At Burds Family Practice in Peosta, Iowa, we offer Direct Primary Care as an alternative (or complement) to traditional insurance-based visits. Here's everything you need to know.
So, What Exactly Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care is a straightforward healthcare model: you pay a flat monthly membership fee, and in return, you get unlimited access to your primary care provider — no copays, no surprise bills, no insurance middleman.
Think of it like a gym membership, but instead of access to a treadmill, you get access to your healthcare team.
What's Included in a DPC Membership at Burds Family Practice?
With our DPC membership, patients enjoy:
Unlimited visits — as many as you need, no extra charge
Same-day or next-day appointments — no waiting weeks to be seen
Direct access to your provider — call, text, or message us directly
Longer appointment times — we actually get to know you
Preventive care and chronic disease management
No insurance required — though you can still use insurance for specialists or hospital care
Who Is DPC Right For?
Direct Primary Care is a great fit if you:
Are self-employed or your employer doesn't offer health insurance
Have a high-deductible insurance plan and want affordable day-to-day care
Are tired of rushed appointments and want a real relationship with your provider
Have a chronic condition that requires frequent check-ins
Simply want more personalized, attentive healthcare for your family
How Much Does It Cost?
DPC is designed to be affordable. Instead of paying per visit — which adds up fast — you pay one predictable monthly fee. Many patients find they actually save money compared to traditional copays and deductibles, especially if they visit the doctor more than once or twice a year.
Why Patients Choose Burds Family Practice for DPC
At Burds Family Practice, we believe healthcare should feel like a relationship, not a transaction. Our team, led by Jenny Burds, FNP, has over 25 years of healthcare experience and a deep commitment to this community. When you're a DPC member, you're not just a chart number — you're family.
Ready to learn more? Give us a call at (563) 588-6659 or visit us at 8411 Peosta Commercial Ct Suite #8, Peosta, IA. We'd love to walk you through our membership options and find the right fit for you and your family.
Burds Family Practice serves patients in Peosta, Dubuque, Asbury, Cascade, and surrounding communities in Northeast Iowa.
Blog Post 2
Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide: Which Medical Weight Loss Medication Is Right for You?
Meta Title: Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss | Burds Family Practice Peosta, IA Meta Description: Semaglutide (Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Zepbound) — which is right for you? Our team at Burds Family Practice in Peosta, IA breaks down both options to help you decide. Target Keywords: semaglutide Peosta Iowa, tirzepatide Dubuque area, medical weight loss Iowa, Wegovy Zepbound family practice
Medical weight loss has changed dramatically in the last few years. If you've been hearing a lot about medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, you're not alone — these treatments have helped thousands of people achieve meaningful, lasting weight loss. But with two strong options on the table, how do you know which one is right for you?
At Burds Family Practice in Peosta, Iowa, we offer both semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) as part of our medical weight loss program. Here's a friendly breakdown to help you understand the difference.
First, How Do These Medications Work?
Both medications work by targeting hormones in your body that regulate hunger and blood sugar. In simple terms, they help you feel fuller faster and for longer — which naturally leads to eating less and losing weight over time.
Semaglutide (Wegovy) targets one hormone receptor: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
Tirzepatide (Zepbound) targets two hormone receptors: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
Because tirzepatide works on two receptors instead of one, clinical studies have shown it tends to produce slightly greater weight loss on average — but both are highly effective.
Semaglutide (Wegovy): What to Know
Semaglutide has been around a bit longer and has a well-established track record. It's given as a weekly injection and has been shown to help patients lose a significant percentage of their body weight when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
Good fit if you:
Want a proven, well-studied option
Are managing Type 2 diabetes alongside weight loss
Prefer to start with a single-receptor medication
Tirzepatide (Zepbound): What to Know
Tirzepatide is newer and has shown impressive results in clinical trials — in some studies, patients lost up to 20–22% of their body weight. Like semaglutide, it's a weekly injection.
Good fit if you:
Want the option with the highest average weight loss results
Haven't had success with other weight loss approaches
Are looking for a dual-action medication
Common Side Effects for Both
Both medications can cause similar side effects, especially when you're first starting out. The most common include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These usually improve as your body adjusts. Starting at a low dose and gradually increasing helps minimize discomfort.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here's the honest answer: it depends on your individual health history, goals, and how your body responds. That's exactly why medical supervision matters. At Burds Family Practice, we'll review your health history, discuss your goals, and help you figure out which option makes the most sense for you — and monitor your progress every step of the way.
Weight loss medication isn't a magic fix, but paired with lifestyle changes and the right medical support, it can be a powerful tool.
Interested in learning more about our medical weight loss program? Call us at (563) 588-6659 or stop by our office in Peosta. We're here to help you take that next step with confidence.
Note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication.
Burds Family Practice serves patients in Peosta, Dubuque, Asbury, Cascade, and surrounding communities in Northeast Iowa.
Blog Post 3
Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner for Your Primary Care?
Meta Title: Why See a Nurse Practitioner for Primary Care? | Burds Family Practice Peosta Meta Description: Nurse practitioners offer expert, personalized primary care. Learn why patients across Peosta and the Dubuque area trust the NPs at Burds Family Practice for their family's health. Target Keywords: nurse practitioner primary care Iowa, NP family doctor Peosta, family nurse practitioner Dubuque area, primary care provider Peosta IA
When most people think of going to the doctor, they picture an MD in a white coat. But here's something worth knowing: nurse practitioners (NPs) are highly trained, fully licensed healthcare providers who deliver excellent primary care — and for many patients, they're actually the preferred choice.
At Burds Family Practice, our care is led by Jenny Burds, FNP, a family nurse practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience. Here's why so many families in Peosta and the surrounding Dubuque area choose an NP for their primary care.
What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. NPs complete thousands of hours of clinical training and are licensed to:
Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions
Order and interpret lab work and diagnostic tests
Prescribe medications
Provide preventive care and health counseling
Manage complex, ongoing health conditions
In Iowa, nurse practitioners are able to practice and prescribe independently — meaning you receive comprehensive, expert care.
NPs Are Known for Spending More Time with Patients
One of the most common things patients say when they switch to an NP-led practice is: "I finally feel heard."
Nurse practitioners are trained with a strong emphasis on the whole person — not just the diagnosis. They tend to spend more time during appointments, ask about lifestyle factors, stress, and family history, and take a collaborative approach to your care. It's medicine that treats you as a person, not just a set of symptoms.
The Education and Experience Behind the Care
Jenny Burds earned her degree from Clarke University and has spent over a decade as a nurse practitioner — plus more than 15 years in other healthcare roles before that. Our team also includes Channah, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate from Clarke University who brings 8+ years of nursing experience.
That depth of knowledge and genuine passion for patient care is what sets Burds Family Practice apart.
NPs Offer Continuity of Care
At larger health systems, you might see a different provider every single visit. At Burds Family Practice, you build a real relationship with your care team. That continuity means your provider knows your history, notices changes over time, and catches things that might otherwise slip through the cracks.
Still Have Questions About Seeing an NP?
That's completely normal! Many people haven't had an NP as their primary care provider before. We're happy to answer any questions you have about our training, our practice model, or what to expect at your first visit.
The bottom line: great primary care isn't about a title — it's about a provider who knows you, listens to you, and genuinely cares about your health. That's what we're here for.
Call us at (563) 588-6659 or visit burdsfamilypractice.com to book your first appointment. New patients are always welcome.
Burds Family Practice serves patients in Peosta, Dubuque, Asbury, Cascade, and surrounding communities in Northeast Iowa.