How it works
I work for my patients, not for insurance companies.
I don't accept health insurance. Patients join my practice by paying a monthly membership fee, similar to what you might pay for a gym membership or a cell phone plan. In return, you get 24/7 access to me via my personal cell phone as well as appointments scheduled within 48 business hours from the time you call. I even provide house calls, if necessary. Certain additional services, such as labs, medications and procedures, are provided at wholesale prices.
It's that simple. There are no hidden fees and no surprises.
What's more, I get paid for giving excellent care and for being available. If I can keep you out of the clinic or out of the hospital, we both win.
Consider that the average primary care clinic in the US has around 2000 patients per doctor, about a two-week wait to get an appointment, and you spend ten minutes or less with your doctor when you do get seen.
In contrast, I limit my practice to around 500 members. As a result, my patients can get seen when they want and can spend as much time as they need. Click to see the difference.
How I keep costs low
Most Americans pay a large 'administrative tax' as part of their insurance premium. Because I don't have a large bureaucracy to support and because I don't need to generate a profit for an insurance company, I am able to keep my costs much lower than a traditional practice. By passing these savings to my patients, I am able to offer affordable monthly rates, often for a lower price than many co-pays.
Monthly Fees
Membership fees are paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. There are no long-term contracts or commitments with any of our payment plans. Membership fees at The Family Doctor must be paid on an ongoing basis until cancellation. To remain an active patient and to receive services, your account must be current.
Benefits
This plan includes unlimited office visits, same/next day scheduling*, extended appointments, an annual flu shot, free or discounted labs, access to a secure patient portal, your physician's personal cell phone, and house calls within our service area.
Membership does not include care provided by specialists, home health services (such as home care nurses or therapists), prescriptions, certain laboratory studies, radiology studies, or other ancillary services. Certain of these services, such as medications, labs, or radiology services, may be available at a discounted rate.
*Appointments will be scheduled within 48 hours from the time the request is made, excluding weekends and holidays.
Registration Fee
A one-time $50 registration fee is charged for each new billing account for memberships. This amount is non-refundable.
Service Fees
All services not covered by membership fees must be paid in full at time of service.
Late Fees
Payments over 30 days old will be charged a late fee of $25.
Payment
All patients must provide either a credit/debit card number or enroll in our Automated ACH Bank Transfer. Due to our small staff and our low overhead business model, we do not mail invoices or bills for membership and service fees.
The Family Doctor does not submit claims to any insurance companies. Upon request, we can provide you with a receipt that includes the visit and procedure codes, so that you may submit the claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Cancellation
You may cancel your membership at anytime.
Re-Enrollment Fee
If you discontinue your membership, you may be able to renew it in the future. You will be required to pay an additional re-enrollment fee of $200 in addition to other standard charges to re-establish your membership.
Lack of Payment
Payments over 30 days old will be subject to cancellation of membership.
Cancellation fees
All cancellations for scheduled visits must be done as soon as possible prior to scheduled time. If you do not show for your appointment (or are excessively late for your scheduled time) and have not notified us in time, a fee may be charged for the missed visit. Exceptions may be granted at our discretion.
