FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Direct Care medical practice?

Direct Care, also known as Concierge or Retainer medical practice, are terms used to describe a style of medical care where the patients pay a physician a membership fee for enhanced medical services. The number of patients is limited in order for the physician to give a higher level of service and to have quality time to focus on each individual's personal needs.

What Services are provided as part of my annual membership dues?

A complete annual preventative physical exam each year, round the clock phone access to your medical team, longer appointment times, flexible appointments and house calls if needed. For more detail please see Services Provided list.

Are you on the medical staff at a hospital?

If you require hospitalization, I use hospitalists who specialize in emergency and hospital care. I will make visits and help with coordinating your care with the physicians who are based at the hospital.  I am on staff at Providence and Legacy hospitals.

When would you make a house call?

I realize that urgent medical problems occasionally prevent a patient from coming to the physician's office when he or she is too sick to do so. In such circumstances we offer a limited number of house call visits every year.

Do I still need insurance if I enroll with you?

Retainer/Direct Care medical practice does not take the place of general health insurance coverage. My practice is a primary care medical practice, not a health insurance program. You are advised to continue your insurance coverage.

Will my insurance still be billed for my office visit?

Most office visits and the annual physical are covered by your membership fee. If there is need to bill your insurance for uncovered services you will be fully informed.

Do you participate with Medicare?

Yes. However, we generally do not bill Medicare because the key services we provide such as a hands-on comprehensive physical examination, phone and email communication is not generally covered by Medicare. This is covered by your fee arrangement. We will continue to order and coordinate services such as Lab, X-rays and referrals that are billed to Medicare by the entities that provide them.

Is the annual Direct Care dues tax deductible or covered by an HSA?

Patients are advised to consult with their tax consultant or Human Resources Department to clarify qualification about their particular circumstance.

What about lab, x-ray, specialists’ fees and hospitalization?

Your annual fee pays for membership in the practice. This fee covers the annual physical and other services listed in the Patient Agreement. However, all the other procedures and services not performed in my office will be billed to your insurance by the performing entity (eg, lab and imaging).

What do I do if become ill while traveling or away on an extended vacation?

You should call 911 if you have a life-threatening emergency. Then call me. Call me first if the problem is minor. With the exception of a few controlled substances, most prescriptions can be ordered anywhere in the country.  If you seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center out of our area, I will be readily available for phone consultation with you and/or health care personnel.  If you should require hospitalization while away, at your request, I will establish phone communication with you and your attending physician(s) to ensure continuity of care.

What if I need to see a specialist or a surgeon?

I am available to help you decide what specialists to see and to coordinate such consultations. In this way the most appropriate resource is used, the earliest arrangements are made, and applicable medical information is sent in advance of your specialist visit.

What about the cost of prescription medications?

The cost of prescription medications is the patient's responsibility and generally may be billed to his/her medication insurance plan. We have expertise in assisting patients in purchasing medications in the most cost-effective manner.

Will I be required to pay my annual membership dues if I do not use your services?

Yes. Paying your dues allows you to be a member of the practice whether you are sick or well. However, you are requested to make at least one (1 ) office visit per year for your annual physical. We strongly encourage you to utilize wellness consultations and emails for appropriate non­ urgent health related questions, regardless of your state of health.

If your practice grows and you get too busy will I wind up having a difficult time reaching you like a regular doctor?

No. The maximum number of patients in my practice will be 400, which is much fewer than in my current practice. This will allow me, or the physician on-call for me, to always be available to you.