General
How is your concierge practice different?
The best answer is TIME. There is time for me to listen to you, the patient; time to delve into complex medical problems; time to do meaningful preventative care. I will advocate for you when you need it most during a medical crisis. When necessary, I’ll find the best specialist to meet your needs. I’ll be the familiar voice at the end of the telephone and the familiar face at the hospital. I will provide continuity of care, from the office, to the hospital, to the medical intensive care unit, to your home.
How much time will you spend with me?
My concierge practice allows me to schedule 30 minutes for routine appointments and a minimum of 60 minutes for annual exams. If a problem requires extra time, I will accommodate you to the best of my ability. Our communication is also be enhanced through patient-dedicated cell phone and email.
Who will cover when you are not available?
My goal is to be available to my patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There will be infrequent occasions when I am out of town or otherwise unavailable. In these situations, a trusted colleague will serve as my covering physician.
Can I enroll in your practice at a later date?
By design, my concierge practice is membership based and limited to 600 patients. This is in stark contrast to the 3,000 patients from my previous practice. Once I reach my enrollment limit, I will establish a waiting list. I will make every effort to accommodate interested patients, but I must honor the enrollment limit to provide the highest standard of personalized care and service to my patients.
Health Insurance
Do I still need health insurance if I enroll in your concierge practice?
Yes. My concierge practice does not take the place of general health insurance. It is a primary care medical practice, not a health insurance program. You are advised to continue your PPO, Medicare or other insurance program as well as your FSA or HSA plan.
Are you a “Participating Provider” for Medicare?
Yes. My team will file your claim with Medicare, as well as with your supplemental insurer on your behalf, as required by law. For any patients who may have a Medicare Advantage plan, office visit fees are the responsibility of the patient.
Can you bill Medicare for my annual fee?
No. Medicare will not pay for or reimburse membership fees in my concierge practice. I will continue to submit claims to Medicare and to your supplemental insurance on your behalf for Medicare-covered services.
Will private insurance reimburse my annual fee?
It is unlikely that the fee for my concierge practice is fully reimbursable. It may be possible to utilize funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) toward the annual fee. I advise you to consult your human resources representative, FSA or HSA plan manager, or tax advisor.
Payment
Is the annual fee tax deductible?
The fee as a patient in my concierge practice is a medical-related expense and may be deductible. I advise you to consult with your tax consultant to clarify your status.
Will I be required to pay my annual fee even if I do not use your services?
Yes. Paying your annual fee allows you to become a member of my concierge practice and take advantage of my services whether you are sick or well. I strongly believe in proactive maintenance of health and wellness and will encourage you to utilize the benefits and amenities offered, regardless of your state of health.
What happens if I move out of the area after I enroll?
If you move and wish to secure a new primary care physician, I will refund the annual fee on a pro-rated basis as a member in my concierge practice. My staff will send a copy of your records to your new physician upon receipt of a signed release, as required by law.
Services
Does concierge membership include lab, x-ray, specialist, and hospitalization fees?
Your annual fee pays for concierge membership in the practice, and for many other benefits listed on the services page. All procedures and services not performed in our office will be billed by the performing entity.
What if I need to see a specialist?
As a patient in my concierge practice, you are free to see any specialist you wish. I will help you to find the best specialist and coordinate any consultations. This way, I can ensure that we use resources appropriately, get you the appointments you need, and send any medical information in advance of your specialist visit.
Does the annual Comprehensive Wellness Evaluation include a well-woman exam?
Yes. I am happy to perform this important service.
Which hospital are you on staff?
I am on staff at Crouse Hospital. If you are hospitalized, I will have primary medical responsibility for your care and continue to advocate on your behalf. This is one of the most appreciated services of having a concierge doctor at your service. A hospitalist or covering physician may admit you, but my goal is to care for my patients personally.
What if I have an emergency?
As your personal concierge doctor, you can contact me day or night to address any urgent health matters. If you think you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. I will assist you in the coordination of your emergency care.
What if I become ill while traveling on an extended vacation?
If the problem is minor, call me first. If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. Then, call me. With the exception of a few controlled substances, most prescriptions can be ordered anywhere in the country. If you seek care out of our area, please have the doctor seeing you call me for coordination. I am readily available for phone consultation with you and other health care personnel. If you require hospitalization while away, at your request I will attempt to establish regular phone communication with you and your attending physician(s) to ensure continuity of care.
