Question 1

Do you accept patients with insurance?

Accepted Answer

We accept everyone within the scope of our practice with or without insurance. For a monthly membership fee you receive all of your primary care needs independent of your health insurance. This means, we do not submit claims to/bill your insurance in order to be able to provide high quality unbiased care. You may, of course, still use your insurance for health care related costs including labs, imaging, specialist appointments, etc.  We go without insurance payments to save our members arbitrary and severely marked up pricing (from 100% to 3000%+) on visits to our office, labs, imaging etc. and intrusive decisions that come with using insurance.

Just as one does not use car insurance for oil change and regular maintenance, health insurance is best used to mitigate high cost events such as hospitalizations and not routine preventative care.

Question 2

Do you offer competitive pricing for labs, medications, imaging?

Accepted Answer

As an independent practice model, we are able to leverage the industry for our members - offering wholesale / group purchasing pricing. This cuts out countless middlemen such as hospital systems, insurance companies, pharmacy-benefit managers (PBMs) etc. We directly pass on the savings to you. Please note, many times it will be much lower cost for you to pay direct than go through the hassle of insurance.

Question 3

Does the practice offer Telehealth?

Accepted Answer

We go a step further. We not only offer unlimited video tele-visits, we also offer text and call access directly with your physician to remove any barriers of access.

Question 4

Can I see you if I am traveling outside of the state of FL?

Accepted Answer

This will vary on a case by case basis as the local regulations and medical practice laws are changing. Most times, we will make every effort to be available to you whenever possible.

Question 5

What is Concierge Medicine?

Accepted Answer

Concierge Medicine places the utmost emphasis on the quality and value that is provided to each patient. With a significantly lower patient panel, absence of healthcare bureaucracy and corporate greed, this care model allows doctors to be doctors and practice medicine while building long-lasting relationships with their patients. While traditional insurance models given doctors 8-15 mins with their patients, Concierge medicine is not built on factory-like principles. This care model is proven in studies by Mayo Clinic and others to reduce hospital stay, catch diagnoses early, and improve overall outcomes for patients.

Question 6

What is the difference between your Premium and Concierge medicine options?

Accepted Answer

Our concierge membership allows for unlimited  24/7 access to your physician with extended appointments that are instantly available on most days. We also include (if indicated) simple in office procedures without any additional charges (excluding cost of medication and supplies). Patients also receive direct cell phone access to Dr. Patel. Under certain circumstances, by the discretion of Dr. Patel, we may also offer house calls to our concierge members.

Our premium membership, or our Direct Primary Care membership, offers same/ next day appointments and extended office visits. This care model offers greater value and enhanced access to your physician compared to the traditional healthcare model. Premium members will also have access to Dr. Patel via tele-health, call and text!

Because we limit the number of patients in the practice, Dr. Patel is able to dedicate her time to you and bring you high value, compassionate, personalized medical care.

Question 7

Is Obesity Medicine service included in the Premium or Concierge memberships?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Patel is an expert in and hold board certification in Obesity medicine from the prestigious medical schools of Columbia University and Weill Cornell University. While obesity management is a part of primary Internal Medicine care, our specialized obesity medicine package, including consultation and medications (when indicated), is not included with the Premium or Concierge membership. Please contact us to inquire further. We provide a fully physician-guided weight loss program.

Question 8

How do I cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

Developing a trusting and therapeutic relationship with a physician takes time and commitment from both you and the physician. Dr. Patel truly believes in helping you in your journey to health. We offer a complimentary meet and greet with Dr. Patel prior to signing up for a membership to ensure you are a good fit for us and for you to ensure we are the right fit for you. Our memberships have a 6 month minimum membership requirement. Additionally, if you wish to re-enroll in the future, we do have a re-enrollment fee which will be stated on your contract.

That being said, we do understand that life happens. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and we'd be happy to assist!

Primary Care - Internal Medicine