FAQ
WHAT IS CONCIERGE MEDICINE?
Concierge Medicine is an innovative approach to healthcare that puts the emphasis back on the patient-provider relationship. A focus on wellness, longer patient visits, and increased access have the ability to improve better health outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs. An affordable monthly membership fee allows providers to work for their patients and not for the insurance companies.
IS CONCIERGE CARE RIGHT FOR ME?
Concierge medicine is rapidly increasing in popularity. If you have a low-deductible traditional plan and don’t wish to submit to your insurance company yourself, it may not be the right model for you.
Sadly, those plans are fast becoming history. The majority of Americans have high-deductible plans — insurance for catastrophes only and get little in return for all the money they fork over to those plans. If this is your current situation, Legacy Health is your perfect solution.
WHAT IS YOUR NEW PATIENT PROCEDURE?
If you already know that you want to become a member, feel free to enroll now. We will call you soon to set up your first visit to establish care!
If you want to be sure we are the right fit for you, come get to know us! Schedule a free, unconditional visit to discuss your healthcare needs. It’s the only reasonable way to begin what we trust will be a long, productive, healthy relationship.
CAN CHILDREN BECOME MEMBERS OF LEGACY HEALTH?
Yes. We are happy to accept the children of our enrolled clients. At this time, we are not able to provide routine vaccinations for young children but we will happily work with you to arrange these.
DOES LEGACY HEALTH ACCEPT HEALTH INSURANCE?
No. Happily, no. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well.
We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payers. Furthermore, this direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.
AS A PATIENT, DO I STILL NEED HEALTH INSURANCE?
It isn't mandatory, but yes. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. We’re happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.
IS MY MEMBERSHIP TO LEGACY HEALTH TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Unfortunately, no. Your retainer is not yet defined as a “medical expense” in most states and as such is not deductible. Please confer with your tax consultant to clarify tax consequences in your particular circumstances.
ARE MY MEDICAL RECORDS EVER SHARED WITH INSURANCE CARRIERS OR PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES?
We maintain scrupulous standards of privacy. We are never obligated to provide any third party with a copy of your records unless you specifically ask that we do so.
WHAT IF I NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION WHEN I'M AWAY FROM HOME?
Naturally we provide such care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of our independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text or webcam. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.
CAN I CONTACT MY DOCTOR AFTER HOURS? AND HOW?
By all means, yes! Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call your doctor any day, at any hour. Our medical team is available to answer your questions via secure portal email, phone, or text. It’s how we do custom healthcare.
WHAT IF I NEED A SPECIALIST?
At Legacy Health we provide primary care services only. There is growing evidence that top-level primary care can reduce the need for more specialized care as chronic situations are better managed and concerns are addressed early on before they become emergencies. Of course, when the need arises, we will refer you to a doctor with the specialized expertise you may need to treat your particular condition.