Frequently Asked Questions

I strive to provide the highest-quality, patient-focused medicine, with timely, evidence-based medical care when you are ill, and a proactive, comprehensive approach to disease prevention and wellness. From the moment you call my office, I want you to be completely satisfied with every aspect of your care.

I have intentionally limited the size of my practice in order to devote more time to each patient’s care and individual needs. I also offer certain non-covered amenities and benefits designed to personalize and enhance your healthcare experience. There is little or no office waiting room time, and appointments start promptly. Visits are unhurried (approximately 20 – 30 minutes for routine appointments and 50 – 60 minutes for the Comprehensive Annual Health Assessment) and are extended if you, or I, feel more time is needed. Patients are able to contact me directly on my personal, patient- dedicated cell phone and email, making it easier than ever to communicate.

Please see the Highlights & Details document for a complete list of amenities and benefits provided to my personalized care patients. Your annual fee pays for those non-clinical, non-covered services. Professional services covered by Medicare or a commercial insurance plan will be billed separately—generally to your health plan—and you will continue to be responsible for any applicable co-pays or deductibles relating to those services.

Yes. Paying your annual fee allows you to be a member of my practice and to be in touch with me whether you are sick or well. I strongly encourage you to utilize the benefits offered, regardless of your state of health, to proactively safeguard your well-being. 

In some instances, the annual fee, or part of the fee, may be payable through your HSA. You are advised to consult with your FSA or HSA plan administrator, employer, HR representative or tax adviser to clarify qualification in your particular circumstance.

All medical procedures and services, whether performed by me in my office or by other providers or health care facilities, will be billed by the performing physician and/or entity. 

Yes. Your annual fee does not take the place of general health insurance coverage, but only pays for the non-clinical, non-covered amenities and benefits described in the Highlights & Details document. You are advised to continue your Medicare or other health insurance program coverage.

I am an in-network provider for most major PPO insurance plans and will bill your insurance directly for professional services that are covered by those plans. If the terms of your insurance plan require a co-pay, I am obligated to request payment at the time of service. If I am not a provider for your insurance plan, 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.

Yes. My office will file your claims with Medicare as well as with your supplemental insurer on your behalf, as required by law. For those with a Medicare Advantage plan, patients, office visit fees that are not reimbursed by insurance will be the responsibility of the patient.

 No, the annual fee is not reimbursable by your insurance plan or Medicare.

Please know that you can contact me at any time. However, if you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. You can then call me or ask the hospital personnel to contact me so I may assist in your care. If you have a non-urgent problem, feel free to contact me first.

I am on staff at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City and will personally admit you and have primary medical responsibility for your hospital care. If you are hospitalized at another facility, at your request, I will communicate regularly with those involved in your care and continue to advocate on your behalf.

If the problem is minor, call me first. However, if you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately – then you can call me. With the exception of controlled substances, I will seek to accommodate your prescription requests if state/local law allows. If you seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center out of the area, please ask the doctor seeing you to call me for coordination of your care. I will be readily available for phone consultation with you and/or other health care personnel. If you require hospitalization while away, at your request, I will attempt to establish regular phone communication with you and your attending physician(s) to ensure continuity of care.

My goal is to be available to my patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, there will be occasions when I am out of town or otherwise unavailable. In these situations, trusted colleagues will cover outpatient and inpatient needs.

Should you desire, I am available to help you decide which specialist to see and to coordinate any consultations needed. This will ensure the most appropriate resource is used, the earliest arrangements are made, and your applicable medical information is sent in advance of your specialist visit. 

Your membership agreement can be terminated upon 30 days’ written notice to me/my practice. If you move and wish to secure a new physician, the annual fee will be refunded on a prorated basis.