Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Methodist Premier Wellness and the current practice?
With the membership model, we can make non-office care readily available. If your concerns or questions do not require an in-office physical exam, your physician can address your needs in a phone conversation or online message exchange. This means a lot more convenience for you with fewer trips to the medical office. For many, it means not losing valuable work time or sick leave to take care of your personal medical needs.
Because we keep our patient panel size small, we are able to spend more time with you and to get to know you as the unique individual that you are so we can provide more personalized service. A physician in a typical primary care clinic will be responsible for the care of thousands of patients. Each practice initially limits the patient panel size to less than 300 patients to ensure that each person gets individualized attention and easier access to her.
You can expect same day or next business day urgent care appointments with Premier Wellness, 24/7 access to your physician via telephone, cell phone and secure messaging, and timely responses to your questions. Your doctor will essentially be your private physician.
Will my health insurance pay for all this?
We will bill your insurance when you are seen in the office. Most insurance plans provide coverage only for in person office visits. Insurance plans rarely cover phone visits and online messaging/visits. To provide you with this expanded service, we have chosen to adopt the membership model.
How exactly does the membership model work?
Once you are enrolled, your credit card will be billed monthly, at the beginning of each month, for $200 per month. For example, for services provided in January, your payment will be made on January 1st. When you come in for an in person visit, your insurance will be billed for the office visit. Co-pays and deductibles will be applied. You will be billed for whatever your insurance does not cover.
Is there a special rate for children? Is there a family discount?
Yes, we do offer a family discount. After the initial family member has joined the program, additional eligible dependents* can join at a discounted price as follows:
- Initial member - $200 per month
- Member 2 - $150 per month
- Member 3 - $100 per month
- Member 4 - $100 per month
*Eligible Dependent: The spouse or a child of the initial patient, which must have a specific relationship or relation to the patient, and must have the same principal place of abode or must be listed on the initial patient’s health plan coverage.
What does the monthly membership fee cover?
- Extended face-to-face visits with your physician.
- Same day or next day appointment with your physician for acute care needs.
- 24/7 access to your physician via telephone, personal cell phone or secure messaging
What if I want to be a patient at Methodist Premier Wellness but my insurance won’t pay for it, or I am not currently insured?
You are still welcome to become a patient at our clinic. You would be paying out-of-pocket for in-person clinic visits. You would still receive all of the benefits that the monthly membership fee covers.
How do I sign up?
Premier Wellness’ patient panel will fill quickly. To reserve your spot today, please click here.
Is the membership model/concierge medicine legal?
Yes. The fee covers additional services that are above and beyond what your insurance covers. It doesn’t change their coverage or infringe upon our contracts with them as we’re providing and billing for covered services the way our contract dictates. We are not charging additional for covered services, we are charging a market price for non-covered services. These non-covered services are outlined above under “What Does The Membership Fee Cover?”