Frequently Asked Questions:
 
1. What is a retainer practice?
This form of a practice has many names.  It has been called a direct, boutique, or
concierge practice.  It is an innovative way to limit the size of a doctor's practice and
improve access for patients. 
 
2. How can I become a member?
Pay the annual fee found in the insurance section of this website.  We accept checks,
all major credit cards and will accept semiannual payments by credit card only.
 
3. Should I keep my insurance policy?
Yes.  If you do not have insurance this is a sure way to provide yourself with medical
coverage that will likely take care of 90% of your problems.  However, it will not take
care of a hospitalization or a catastrophic event such as trauma, cancer diagnosis, or
medical need requiring specialists such as surgeons or the like. 
 
4. Can the annual fee be paid out of a Health Savings Account?
Speak with your tax advisor or employer about this subject.
 
5. Do I have to pay a copay?
No.  This is covered by your annual fee. 
 
6. How about ER visits? 
We will be able to see you for minor emergencies such as lacerations or non complicated
fractures.  This will reduce your visits to busy emergency departments.
Of course, there are instances where I will suggest that you go to the ER.  Common
complaints that office practices have limited ability to work up are chest pain and
abdominal pain.  Your retainer fee does not cover ER visits. 
 
7. Do I have to pay for x rays, cat scans, MRIs, mammograms, sonograms, lab tests, etc.?
Yes. However, you will be provided an annual lab panel and x ray if appropriate.  We
have established cash prices with different vendors to give you the best possible
      costs.  These prices are often 3-5 times less than the cost of the same evaluation
charged by other vendors!
 
8. Do you cover my prescription medications?
No.  However, we will do our best to prescribe generics when possible.  We will also
use samples provided by pharmaceutical companies when available. 
 
9. What if I move out of the area?
Your membership fee is nonrefundable.  
 
10. House calls?
Yes.  This is on a case by case basis depending on my judgement.  I will not travel
outside a 20 mile radius. 
 
11. Why aren't vaccinations covered in my annual fee?
In an effort to keep your annual fee down, vaccinations are not included.  Some of
the costs of vaccinations are greater than $200 a single injection.  We do have the
ability to obtain these and administer them when needed at a cash price.
 
12. Do I need to renew my membership at the end of the year?
Yes.  If you do not, you have the possibility of giving up your spot to a potential
patient that may be on a waiting list.  Remember that enrollment is limited to allow us 
the opportunity to provide you with personalized care. 
 
 
13. May I call you if I am on vacation or out of town?
Yes.  We are able to assist you in most cases.  Sometimes the answer may be to go to
an ER, but we are here to help when possible.
 
 
14. What procedures do you provide?
We are able to perform many routine procedures in our office including, but not limited to
skin excisions, biopsies, laceration repair, casting, vasectomy, toenail removal, paps
testing, etc.  If there is something that is not listed that you may need just ask!
 
 
15. Do you have electronic medical records?
Yes.  We will provide you with an electronic storage of your medical data to benefit
you if you are traveling.  This will be included in your first year of membership. 
There will be a small charge for replacements.