Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of your practice?
My goal is to provide the highest-quality medical care with an emphasis on patient safety and comfort, and a proactive, comprehensive and integrative approach to both disease prevention and wellness. I strive to provide excellence in care that is both compassionate and truly patient-focused. From the moment you call my office, I want you to be completely satisfied with every aspect of your care.
How is the practice different from a traditional medical practice?
In order to devote more time to each patient’s care and individual needs, I have intentionally limited the size of my practice. I also offer certain non-covered amenities and benefits designed to personalize and enhance the health care experience. In-office appointments will start promptly, with little or no waiting time. This practice model also enables me to schedule longer patient appointments (approximately 30 minutes for routine appointments and approximately 60 minutes for the comprehensive annual health assessment). If an issue requires extra time for evaluation or discussion, I will accommodate you to the best of my ability. Also, after hours for urgent issues, you will be able to contact me on my personal cell phone, making it easier than ever to communicate.
At which hospitals are you on staff
I will remain on staff at Hoag Hospital and continue to coordinate your care and refer you to their outstanding specialists.
Who will cover for you when you are not available?
My goal is to be available to my patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, there will be occasions when I am out of town or otherwise unavailable. In these situations, a trusted colleague will serve as my covering physician.
Do I still need health insurance if I enroll with you?
Yes. Your annual fee only pays for the non-clinical, non-covered amenities and benefits that are described in the Highlights & Details document. Neither the fee nor the amenities take the place of general health insurance coverage. You are advised to continue your Medicare or other health insurance program coverage.
Will you be a provider on my insurance plan?
I intend to remain an in-network provider for many major PPO insurance plans and will bill your insurance directly for professional services that are covered by those plans. (Professional services are not covered by your annual fee.) If the terms of your insurance plan require a co-pay, I am obligated to request payment at the time of service. Even if I am not a provider for your insurance plan, I will attempt to refer you to in-network physicians for any necessary consultations and to in-network facilities for diagnostic tests and hospitalizations as medically indicated. Those services will likely be covered by your insurance plan.
Will you be a participating provider for Medicare?
Yes. My office will file your claims with Medicare as well as with your supplemental insurer on your behalf, as required by law. Office visit fees that are not reimbursed by insurance will be the responsibility of the patient.
Will my private insurance or Medicare reimburse my annual fee?
No. The annual fee is not covered private insurance or by Medicare.
Is the annual fee tax deductible or reimbursable through my HSA or FSA?
In some instances, the annual fee, or part of the fee, may be payable through your HSA or FSA. You are advised to consult with your HSA or FSA plan administrator, employer, HR representative or tax adviser to clarify qualification in your particular circumstance.
What should I do if I become ill while traveling or away on an extended vacation?
If the problem is minor, call me first. However, if you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately – then you can call me. With the exception of controlled substances, I will seek to accommodate your prescription requests if state/local law allows. If you seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center out of my area, you should feel free to ask the doctor seeing you to call me for coordination of your care. If you should 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.