We Are Here
For You
If you’d like to learn more about how our approach to healthcare can benefit you and your family, here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about our practice.
How is your practice different from a traditional practice?
Our investment in getting to know our members and their families is what really sets up apart. In a traditional practice, a doctor may care for a few thousand patients. In our practice, we care for a few hundred. This model allows your physician to spend time with you, get to know you, respond in a timely manner to your needs, advocate on your behalf, and coordinate your care with specialists when necessary.
How quickly will I be seen?
If you are ill, you will be seen right away. Our members enjoy same-day and next-day appointments, which start on time and last as long as medically necessary. For less urgent medical concerns such as annual exams and lab work, which take a good amount of time, we ask members to schedule in advance. This allows us to hold same-day appointments for urgent concerns.
Is there a limit to how many times I can see a doctor?
You may see your physician as often as is medically necessary.
Can you draw my labs?
For your convenience, labs are drawn in-office and will be covered according to your individual insurance plan. Please note that labs are not included in membership. We have affordable self-pay rates if you have a high-deductible plan or do not have insurance.
What if I am hospitalized?
We will work closely with your admitting team to coordinate care and advocate on your behalf. Our physicians are on-staff at HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital (formerly Memorial Hospital), Tampa General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Bills accrued during a hospital stay are the sole responsibility of the member.
What does the membership fee cover?
Your membership fee covers a variety of non-covered amenities and services that most insurance plans will not normally reimburse or authorize, allowing us to deliver a more connected and personal style of primary care. Please note that membership does not cover lab work, vaccines or certain ancillary products/services.
What is not covered by the membership fee?
The membership fee does not cover all services that you may require. Our practice assumes that you are insured by a health insurance plan that may cover or reimburse you for labs, vaccinations, diagnostic or pathologic testing, hospitalizations, specialist visits and medications.
Do I pay each time I see the physician as well?
No, office visits are included in the membership fee.
Can I just be seen once or just for an executive physical?
We aim to develop lifelong relationships with our members and are committed to offering the South Tampa community personalized primary care. We believe our success — member satisfaction and professional fulfillment — is derived from a care model that is built on close, personal relationships with our members. As a result, we do not offer one-time, fee-for-service medical care.
Can you care for my child?
Our physicians are qualified to meet your child’s primary care needs. However, we do not stock childhood vaccines. It is strongly recommended that your child have a pediatrician as well. Additionally, we require that at least one paying adult membership accompany a child membership.
Do you make house calls?
Members of our practice are expected to be seen in our office. House calls are for after-hours consideration if a member is too ill to come into the office for an evaluation and resides in South Tampa. That said, we also offer Home-Care Membership. This service is reserved for members of our practice who initially receive medical care within our office but whose medical status later doesn’t allow for in-office encounters.
What if my physician becomes ill or is on vacation?
There may be times when your assigned physician is not available due to illness, personal time off, or technical difficulties. Because we have multiple physicians, you can be assured that a physician will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Can I meet the physician before joining the practice?
Prior to joining the practice, you will be scheduled for a consultation. This is a bilateral interview. It allows you to relay your expectations and determine whether our practice is a good fit. Medical counsel and medications will not be provided at this time.
Will Insurance or Medicare cover the membership fee?
We do not bill private insurance. You may submit a coded insurance claim form to your private health insurance plan (other than Medicare). Please note that because our services constitute non-covered Medicare services, beyond what Medicare covers, Medicare will not cover or reimburse the practice fee.
Do you accept HMOs, Tricare Prime or Medicaid?
We are not Medicaid, HMO, or Tricare providers, and our membership model is not compatible with these plans. If you have this type of insurance, only your assigned primary care physician may make referrals and order tests for you.