How will you provide enhanced accessibility?
The typical Internist maintains a patient load of greater than 2000 patients. We have reduced our practice size to less than 25% of that. With a substantially smaller number of relationships to maintain, we are available to you when you need us. For your convenience, we will be available to communicate with you by phone, fax, e-mail, or website patient portal. And, if we’re with another patient, we will return your message promptly.
What services will I receive for the Annual Fee?
The Annual Fee includes appointments that conveniently fit your schedule, same-day or next-day appointments, minimal or no wait time, unhurried visits, around-the-clock physician availability via phone, fax, or e-mail, enhanced coordination with specialists, house calls when necessary, prescription facilitation, and travel medicine services.
I am healthy and only need to see a physician for my annual examination. How does this type of practice benefit me?
In our practice there is time to focus on preventing illness and maintaining wellness, so you don’t have to be sick to benefit. An annual examination, although essential and beneficial, does not account for the unpredictable nature of medical illness. If you do become ill our services will be available immediately. For many people with busy lifestyles, the biggest benefit is having quick and easy access and adequate time with their physician. You are welcome to talk with us anytime about your health concerns.
What if I’m a Medicare patient?
Medicare will not be billed for any of the services that are included in the annual exam. Services such as follow-up office visits will be charged as usual and co-pays and deductibles will remain unchanged. You may use your Medicare and private insurance coverage for laboratory fees, X-rays, specialist physician services, and hospital services.
Is the annual fee covered by insurance? Is it tax deductible?
Health insurance and savings plans vary greatly. Check with your employer or health care plan administrator to see if the fee is reimbursable. Your tax adviser can tell you if this fee qualifies as a deductible medical expense in your case.
Will I still need health insurance?
Yes, your health insurance will cover additional visits and procedures that are not included in the Annual Fee. Additionally, you will use your insurance coverage for services outside my office such as specialist visits, hospitalization, laboratory tests, X-rays, and prescriptions.
What happens if I need to see a specialist?
If the need arises for you to see a specialist or you require services outside our office, we will help to guide you through the process. We will personally oversee all of your care and coordinate with other professionals to ensure that you receive the personal attention and care that you need.
What happens if I need a physician after office hours?
We care for our own patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the uncommon event your Premium Care doctor is unavailable or out of town, another qualified Premium Care Internist is available to see you. Our normal office telephone number reaches us or the covering physician directly.
Who will care for me if I need to be admitted to the hospital?
Patients admitted to the hospital are cared for by ‘Hospitalists’. These are doctors who specialize in Hospital Medicine and who see only hospitalized patients. We will see you daily while you were in the hospital and work with the Hospital Specialists to optimize your hospital stay. We will arrange for follow-up care after hospital discharge.
Will I be healthier?
Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that you will be healthier or not become ill. However, we can promise you that we will be there when you need us, and we will provide the highest level of care that we possibly can. We promise you that we will be your partner in helping you live the healthiest life possible.
What if I have other questions about your Premium Care practice?
You are invited to call our office and speak to any of the doctors or a member of our office staff anytime. You are also welcome to make an appointment to discuss your questions with a doctor in person.
As a patient in our practice, you will enjoy a Comprehensive Preventive Medical Examination and a Personal Wellness Plan, which serve as the foundation of your personalized health care program. In addition, there are a number of amenities that come with being a patient in a smaller medical practice.
Comprehensive Preventive Medical Examination
The Comprehensive Preventive Medical Examination is the starting point for your personalized health care program. A thorough evaluation of your current health status will be conducted. Tests and evaluations will be customized to meet your specific needs based on your gender, age, health history, genetics, and lifestyle factors. We’ll take the time to discuss all of the results together.
Personal Wellness Plan
Once we have established a baseline for your current level of health, the next step is to create a customized action plan. We will set short and long-term goals, considering nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle factors. Your Personal Wellness Plan will be designed to accomplish the goal of reducing your risks and increasing your chances of optimizing and maintaining good health.
Same-day or Next-day Appointments
Appointments will be made to fit your schedule, the same day or the next if needed. You will be seen promptly with little or no waiting time.
Longer, Unhurried Appointments
The typical Internist must see as many as 30 patients each day. In our practice we can schedule much longer appointments than is usually previously possible. Because you are one of a small number of patients, we can take the time we need to address your health issues.
24-Hour Accessibility – By Telephone, Fax, or Email
You will have direct access to our doctors for any medical issue, large or small. If you need to be seen, the doctors will attend to you ourselves on short notice. When you contact us by phone, fax, or email, you will reach us directly or we will respond quickly. While there are instances when we will be away or unavailable, our practice will always be covered in the same responsive manner by a dedicated Internal Medicine colleague.
House Calls When Needed
We will make house calls when medically appropriate and necessary.
Scheduled Telephone Visits
To make the most efficient use of your time, we will gladly schedule telephone consultations when appropriate. Of course, it is not always possible to give you the best advice in this manner so it may be best for you to be seen in the office.
Enhanced Coordination of Your Care
If you need specialty care, we will work closely with other providers. We will make careful recommendations and facilitate communication and follow up. We will oversee your care, should you require hospitalization, to maximize your benefit and outcome.
Travel Medicine Services
Many travel illnesses can be prevented. We receive timely updates of travel information from a variety of online sources. So before you take a trip abroad, talk with us. We’ll help you prepare by providing guidance on appropriate immunizations and information to help you stay in good health wherever you go.
Prescription Facilitation
Our staff and we will facilitate your prescription needs by ensuring the correct information is provided in a timely manner to your preferred pharmacy.
