Twisted Roots Healthcare: A New Direct Primary Care Model in Tennessee

Boones Creek, Tennessee – A new direct primary care (DPC) clinic, Twisted Roots Healthcare, opened its doors on Monday, February 16, 2026, offering a patient-centered approach to healthcare. Founded by mother-daughter team Eva Jessee and Kali Holt, both nurse practitioners, the clinic aims to address growing concerns about healthcare access and affordability in the region.

Addressing a Require for Accessible Care

The impetus for launching Twisted Roots Healthcare stemmed from observations made during clinical rotations in August 2025. Eva Jessee noted increasing patient anxiety surrounding potential changes to government subsidies and health insurance coverage. “We really prayed about it and tried to figure out what could we do to answer that crisis and that’s where Twisted Roots Healthcare came to be,” Jessee explained. WCYB

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct primary care operates on a membership-based model, bypassing traditional insurance complexities. Patients pay a monthly fee for access to comprehensive primary care services. This model allows physicians to spend more quality time with each patient, fostering a stronger doctor-patient relationship.

“You are rushed through like cattle and when you feel like you’ve only got a certain amount of time, I don’t feel like you feel very seen and heard,” Kali Holt stated. WCYB “I felt like walking day by day and medicine with people in a way that we could slow down and we could take our time with something that would benefit the people of our region.”

Cost Savings and Comprehensive Services

Twisted Roots Healthcare offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance-based care. Monthly membership fees vary based on age. In addition to 24/7 access to a provider, the clinic provides urgent care services for a flat fee, starting around $50 per visit. Patients as well benefit from discounted rates on medications – approximately one-quarter to one-fifth cheaper than typical chain pharmacies – and diagnostic testing through partnerships with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics. WCYB

Commitment to Community Health

Demonstrating a strong commitment to community health, Twisted Roots Healthcare hosts a free clinic day every Friday, providing 12 hours of free services, medications and lab tests to those in need. Appointments are required. WCYB

Future Expansion: Mobile Clinic

Looking ahead, Twisted Roots Healthcare plans to expand its reach with the launch of a mobile clinic, further increasing access to care for underserved populations in the region. WCYB

About Twisted Roots Healthcare and its Founders

Twisted Roots Healthcare was founded by Eva Jessee and Kali Holt, both graduates of East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Eva Jessee holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nursing and is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Medicolegal Death Investigator, and college professor. She also served as the Tennessee President-Elect for the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) and co-created a curriculum for Postmortem Sexual Assault Nurse Examination. Twisted Roots Health

Kali Holt is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Co-Founder of Twisted Roots Healthcare. She is married to Taylor Holt and is a proud pet parent. Twisted Roots Health Her college education began in 2013, with the goal of becoming a nurse. Twisted Roots Health

David Jessee, Eva’s husband, is a licensed Residential/Commercial Home Inspector, general contractor, and farmer. He supports the business through his expertise in these areas. Twisted Roots Health

Twisted Roots Healthcare is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. To 5 p.m., with free clinic day on Fridays from 8 a.m. To 8 p.m.