FAQs

Membership Medicine and You

How Does Our Practice Differ From the Typical Traditional Practice?

You will experience the difference immediately when you visit us at LSR Wellness. Our entire office has been designed to create a relaxing and comfortable experience for you, from the reception area to the exam rooms. There is little, if any, waiting time. I will take the time to address your health concerns and questions, and your office visits will never feel rushed.

Because my practice is limited to just a few hundred, not thousands, of patients, I really get to know my patients so I can take a more proactive role in your health and wellness and be there when you need me.

My goal is to provide you with an experience that will not just meet, but exceed, your expectations for a doctor’s office.

What is Membership Medicine?

Membership medicine, sometimes referred to as Concierge medicine, is a model that emphasizes wellness and disease prevention. We can take the time with you that we need. We are not confined to very brief appointments typical of practices which, because of their dependency on limited insurance reimbursements, must see many more patients per day to make ends meet. Instead, by charging an affordable monthly or annual fee, I am able to see many fewer patients, and provide you with extremely convenient, personalized and preventive care when you need it. Our membership model enables a strong and satisfying doctor-patient relationship — the key to helping you stay healthy.

It’s the way I’ve always wanted and expected to practice medicine!

What Does Membership Include?

Your membership includes an annual comprehensive physical exam that is in addition to insurance-covered or Medicare-covered annual wellness visits. It incorporates screening and diagnostic tests, and focuses on nutrition, fitness, healthy sleep, social/emotional wellness, and stress management. We will also determine a personalized schedule for regular follow up of your medical concerns.

The result is a customized wellness plan which includes individualized follow-up and other forms of communication support throughout the year. This results in a far more connected version of primary care and guides you to achieving and maintaining more optimum health and disease prevention.

I can provide a great amount of care by phone, email and text, including virtual visits when appropriate. I am available to discuss urgent concerns evenings and weekends when needed. I am working hard to create a practice where you can reach us when you need us, without having to jump through many hoops!

You will enjoy greater convenience and peace of mind. You will very likely have a reduced frequency of seeing specialists, as well as emergency department and urgent care visits. I can be involved in your hospital or nursing facility care and, as appropriate, can meet with you in your home (see below).

See the many other benefits you will receive.

Will I Still Benefit From Membership Even if I Don’t Expect To Need Frequent Medical Attention?

Absolutely. I believe patients would see their doctor more if it were easier to communicate, more private, and less hassle.

At LSR Wellness, I make it easy for my patients to communicate with me and visit me in the office. I listen carefully to you to understand how your life, work and family situations may be affecting your health — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Besides acute care and managing illness, our focus is on adopting healthy lifestyle habits. I want to identify and prevent disease and other risk factors, concentrating our efforts on your lifetime health and wellness. Together, we will create a personalized plan to achieve and maintain your optimal health.

Advanced diagnostic tests can help us identify risk factors and health issues before they cause disease, saving you money, time, suffering and higher costs in the long run. Unlike the traditional practice environment, I have the time to deliver this type of comprehensive and detailed care.

Who Does This Membership Plan Work Best For?

People of all ages benefit from the value-added services I offer at LSR Wellness.

It works especially well for:

  • Patients desiring easy and direct communication with their doctor.
  • Patients who want a doctor to address the underlying cause of illness, not to just treat the symptoms.
  • Those who want to take part in improving their health and staying well.
  • Patients who are too busy to spend time waiting in a doctor’s office to be seen.
  • Patients who want a physician with traditional training plus a focus on disease prevention and healing through fitness, nutrition, sleep and social/emotional health.

Appointments, Referrals, and Care

What Happens if I’m Admitted to the Emergency Room or Hospital?

This can be a stressful and often confusing experience for patients and their families.

You will be cared for by a hospitalist team. As your health care advocate, I will communicate directly with you and your loved ones, and help you navigate the health care system.

Do You Make Home Visits or Nursing Home Visits?

Yes, I do, on a case-by-case basis. I appreciate it is often logistically difficult to get to the doctor’s office – requiring a family member to take time off of work or to arrange a driver or transport service. I will see patients in their home or nursing facility, rehab facility or ALF in medically appropriate situations — on a case-by-case basis.

What if I Need Specialty Care?

As your primary care physician, my comprehensive training allows me to handle most of your healthcare needs. If you need to see a specialist, I will help you find the right doctor. When making referrals, I can consult with your specialist prior to your appointment, as needed.

After your specialist visit, I will follow up to discuss any of your questions or concerns, and arrange additional testing and management if needed.

What if I Need Urgent Care?

If you have a life-threatening emergency, you should call 911 or go to the ER immediately. Otherwise, you can contact me when needed.

Often, I can diagnose and treat your need without a visit to the ER. In fact, membership medicine has been shown to result in many fewer ER and urgent care visits because we can discuss your medical needs in a timely manner. If appropriate, rest assured I can see you the same or next day!

What if I Need Medical Attention While I’m Away From Home?

You can speak with me wherever you are, and I will help with any medical conditions that can be handled by “virtual visit”. If you have a condition that requires in-person evaluation and treatment, I will direct you to appropriate nearby care, and coordinate follow-up when you return home.

Our college program allows students to easily contact me by cell, text, email or video. I can also communicate directly with your student health clinic if needed, and may help you avoid a visit to the clinic altogether. You will have a trusted doctor who knows you well and can coordinate your care while you are away from home.

What if My Doctor Is on Vacation?

As a member of LSR Wellness, you are never alone. Even when out of town, I will still be available by phone for your urgent needs. You will be notified by email before any vacations. If I am not available, I will always have another trusted physician available to assist you for any urgent matters or to be seen in the office.

How Insurance Works in the Practice

Do You Bill Insurance Plans?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans.

Can You See Me if I Have Medicare?

Absolutely. I am a participating provider with Medicare and will bill Medicare on your behalf, as required by law.

My practice is well suited to handle the more complex medical issues often associated with aging. I can spend the time necessary to manage chronic disease and the use of medications, and work together to optimize your health and wellness.

How to Join

How Much Is the Membership Fee?

Membership fees can be paid annually or monthly. We have a reduced fee for a second household member, and are currently offering a lower founding member rate.

Please visit our pricing section for details.

Do You Offer Gift Memberships?

Yes! Family members or friends may want to provide the gift of membership. It’s a great way to provide support, offer them peace of mind, and ensure personalized attention for the well-being of your loved one.

Can Joining the Practice Actually Save Me Money?

Yes, it actually can.

I expect many patients will have fewer out-of-pocket medical costs. I can better manage the risks of the majority of your health issues and concerns because of my smaller practice and more connected care model.

In addition, the majority of the membership fee is designed to be eligible for HSA, FSA or HRA funds — please check with your tax advisor.

Studies show that membership medicine can lead to:

  • Less dependency on medications
  • Fewer specialty referrals
  • Fewer emergency and hospital visits
  • Savings on labs and imaging
  • Less need for expensive test ordering

Is There a Limit to How Many Patients Can Join LSR Wellness?

Yes. One of the most important aspects of personalized medicine is limiting the practice size to be able to devote more time and energy to each patient. Therefore, once I have reached my ideal practice size, a waiting list will be established.

What if I Decide To Leave the Practice?

You may cancel your membership any time after the first three months, with thirty days notice. If you prepaid your membership fee for the year you will be reimbursed for the remaining months.

Can We Meet Before Joining?

Yes, if you are not an established patient of mine, I prefer that we meet each other in-person to be sure my practice is a good fit for you. You may Contact Us to set up a time to meet or sign up for an information session.

How Do I Become a Member?

Please Contact us or you can sign up online now.

Please remember that space is limited and members are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all available slots are filled, we will add your name to our waiting list, so I encourage you to let us know soon if you would like to join.

I am ready to join.