Frequently Asked Questions
What is Concierge Medicine?
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Concierge medicine is a healthcare model where patients pay a membership fee to a physician for enhanced access to personalized medical care. This often includes same-day or next-day appointments, longer visit times, and direct communication with the doctor.
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How does concierge medicine differ from traditional primary care?
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In traditional primary care, doctors often manage large patient panels of up to 2500, leading to shorter appointments and longer wait times. Traditional primary care is still a "fee for service" industry which means a traditional primary care office is incentivize to bring in as many patient visits per day as possible.
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In order to deal with this large patient population, many primary care physicians are limited to just 15 minutes per visit but by the time the patient is actually in the exam room the average time a physician spends with a patient is just 7 minutes.
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Concierge medicine limits the number of patients a doctor sees, allowing for more personalized attention, extended visits, and often 24/7 access to the physician via phone or email.
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Does concierge medicine replace health insurance?
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No, concierge medicine does not replace health insurance. The membership fee covers enhanced primary care services, but patients typically need insurance for procedures, specialist care, hospitalizations, and other services outside the concierge practice’s scope.
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We do not bill or seek any reimbursement from health insurance which means zero copays or hidden fees.
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Is concierge medicine covered by Medicare?
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Medicare does not cover concierge membership fees, as they are considered non-covered services. We do not bill medicare for our services.
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Are these services HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) deductible?
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Our fees cover the provision of healthcare services, including all appointments. These are not retainer fees. They may be eligible for payment through HSA or FSA accounts and could potentially qualify as a business expense deduction. We recommend consulting with your insurance and accountant or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
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If I get hospitalized, will my doctor come and see me?
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We have established hospital affiliate privileges at Sky Ridge Medical Center and UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital. While we do not provide acute care management during hospitalization, we will be able to actively monitor your stay and collaborate with your inpatient care team. This enables us to advocate for your optimal treatment plan and ensure a smooth transition upon discharge, continuing to coordinate your care. Additionally, we are happy to offer courtesy rounds at select hospitals during weekdays, should you be hospitalized.
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What about medical testing such as labs and imaging?
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We can arrange for diagnostic testing at your preferred facility. Orders will be submitted along with your insurance information, and the service provider will handle the necessary authorization process through your insurance for coverage.
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Do you prescribe controlled substances?
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While we do understand the complexities and difficulty when it comes to chronic pain management, we do not provide chronic pain management with opiate prescriptions. All other controlled substances are prescribed on a case-by-case basis and will follow strict guidance as set forth by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Membership does not guarantee prescription of controlled substances.