FAQs

What is the mission of your practice?

My goal is to provide compassionate, comprehensive, personalized, highest possible quality of medical care and services to each and every patient emphasizing a proactive approach to disease prevention and wellness. The mission is to educate, to empower, and to collaborate with our patients to achieve their health goal in a relaxed, unrushed environment. 

What ages do you care for in your concierge practice?

Patients 5 years and above are seen at my family medicine practice.

At which hospitals are you on staff?

All of the local hospitals now utilize hospitalists which means I do not admit to any hospital. 

I am affiliated with major hospitals in the area including Swedish Hospital, Overlake Hospital, Evergreen Health, University of Washington Hospitals, etc.  

Should you need to be hospitalized, I will be able to communicate with the hospitalists who care for you at the above hospitals. If you are at any other hospital, I will do my best to make myself available to communicate with you and to serve as an advocate on your behalf.  

How is the practice different from a traditional medical practice?

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 healthcare experience. In-office appointments will start promptly, with little or no waiting time; virtual visits via telemedicine are offered as an option upon patient request. 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 directly, making it easier than ever to communicate.

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.

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

Should you request, I am available to help you decide which specialist to see and to coordinate such consultations. This will ensure the most appropriate resource is used, the earliest possible arrangements are made, and your applicable medical information is sent in advance of your specialist visit.

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. 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.

What about labs, X-rays, specialists’ fees, and hospitalization?

All medical procedures and services, whether performed in my office or by other providers or health care facilities, will be billed by the performing physician and/or entity.

Will my private insurance or Medicare reimburse my annual fee?

No. The annual fee is not covered by private insurance or by Medicare.

Is the annual fee tax deductible or reimbursable through my 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 are my annual fee payment options?

Your annual fee may be paid by ACH (electronic bank transfer) or credit/debit card, in quarterly, semiannual, or annual installments. The first payment will be processed upon receipt of enrollment. Subsequent payments will be processed automatically, according to your selected terms. Until we hear otherwise, payments will be processed on a continual basis.

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 be a member of my practice and to be in touch with me whether you are sick or well. I strongly encourage you to utilize the benefits offered, regardless of your state of health, to proactively safeguard your well-being.

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 it. 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.

What if I have questions about my concierge enrollment or membership? 

You can access your membership payment information, track invoices, download receipts, or update credit card information quickly and easily, at any time, by using my Concierge Membership Portal located at the top-right of my website.