FAQs
These are questions frequently asked by people considering our practice,
but if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us here.
Do I still need health insurance if I become a member of your practice?
Yes. Membership benefits are only for visits with our office. 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. All procedures and services not performed in my office will be billed by the performing entity. Those services will then be covered according to your particular insurance plan.
Will insurance still be billed for my office and hospital visit?
Office and hospital visits are included in the annual membership fee.
Will my private insurance reimburse my annual fee?
It is unlikely that the annual fee amount will be reimbursable. It may be possible to utilize funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) toward the annual fee. You should consult your human resources representative, FSA or HSA plan manager or your tax advisor.
Is your practice a participating provider for Medicare?
No. No services provided by us may be billed to Medicare. If you are eligible for Medicare, you will need to sign a separate agreement in addition to the general patient agreement.
Do you bill Medicare for my annual fee?
No. The annual fee is not a Medicare covered benefit.
What are my annual fee payment options?
Your annual fee may be paid in full by check annually or the annual fee may be paid by ACH or credit card annually or semi-annually. ACH is preferred. If you opt for a semi-annual payment option, the second half of your fee will automatically be charged to the ACH or credit card you indicated on your initial sign-up.
What additional fees can I expect outside of my yearly membership fee?
There are no additional fees from our office outside of the yearly membership fee. Diagnostic laboratory or other diagnostic tests are billed to your insurance by the performing entity.
Is the annual fee tax deductible?
The fee is a medical-related expense and may be deductible. You are advised to consult with your tax advisor to clarify qualifications in your particular instance.
What about lab, x-ray, specialists’ fees and hospitalization?
Your annual fee covers membership in Quintessential Care and other amenities listed in the Patient Agreement. All procedures and services not performed in my office will be billed by the performing entity.
What if I have an emergency?
If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. I will assist in the coordination of your emergency care thereafter. I ask that you contact me before going to an urgent care facility at any time of the day or night. I will attempt to address the urgent after-hours problems directly.
At what hospital are you on staff?
I am affiliated with Rush University Medical Center and Endeavor Health.
What if I am hospitalized?
If you are admitted to a hospital where I am on staff, I will make every effort to see you, but due to distances between locations, I may not be able to see you each day. As hospitals have mandated hospitalists, I will continue to advocate on your behalf.
Who will cover for you when you are not available?
My goal is to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via cell phone and electronic messaging. There may be infrequent occasions when I am out of town or otherwise unavailable. In these situations, a trusted colleague cover for me.
What if I become ill while traveling or away on an extended vacation?
Call 911 if you have a life-threatening emergency. Call me first if the problem is minor. If you seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center out of our area, please have the doctor seeing you call me for coordination. If you should require hospitalization while away, I will, at your request, attempt to establish phone communication with you and your attending physician(s) to ensure continuity of care.
What if I need to see a specialist or a surgeon?
As always, my patients are free to see any specialist they wish. I am available to help you decide which specialists to see and to coordinate such consultations. In this way, the most appropriate resource is used, the earliest appropriate arrangements are made, and your applicable medical information is sent in advance of your specialist visit.
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 the practice whether you are sick or well. You are encouraged to use the benefits and amenities offered, regardless of your state of health.
What happens if I move out of the area after I enroll?
If you move and wish to secure a new primary care physician, the annual fee will be refunded on a pro-rated basis. If the relationship is otherwise terminated, the annual fee may be pro-rated or forfeited, to be determined on a case-by-case basis by the practice. A copy of your records will be sent to your new physician upon receipt of a signed release. This release of records is required by law.
Is there a limit on the number of patients enrolled?
Yes. Every effort will be made to accommodate interested patients, but the enrollment limit must be honored in order to continue to provide the highest standard of personalized care and service to all of my patients.
Revised 6/2024