FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS CONCIERGE MEDICINE?
Concierge Medicine is designed to solve the following problems:
Do you ever feel like you do not get enough of the doctor’s time at your appointment to discuss all of your concerns thoroughly?
Have you ever thought that your doctor’s office is too large for you to get personal attention?
Do you ever have a difficult time getting a convenient appointment with your doctor?
Do you get frustrated with long waits “on hold” when you call your doctor’s office?
Do you ever wish that you could talk on the phone directly with your doctor to gain peace of mind about a medical condition, even when you are out of town?
Do you ever wish that you could simply “text message” your doctor or send him an “email” instead of scheduling an office visit?
Have you ever wished that you could be seen by your doctor (rather than go to the ER or Med Center) for a minor injury that needed same-day attention, but your doctor’s schedule was too full?
Do you wait for a long time in the waiting room for your scheduled appointment?
Have you ever wished that your doctor would advocate for you with other health professionals or insurance companies?
Do you ever wish that your doctor would check on you during a hospital stay?
Have you ever wished that your doctor would make a house call for you or your loved one when necessary?
The objective of the Concierge Medicine experience is for you to answer all of these above questions in a favorable manner. We want you to “LOVE” the experience that you have with your doctor!
What are the BENEFITS of Concierge Medicine and what is included in membership?
Some of the conveniences of this model include: an annual Executive style physical with an individualized treatment plan and a focus on prevention and wellness, same/next day office visits, on-time appointments, unhurried appointments, ease of scheduling, and direct physician contact information for after-hours emergencies.
How can the Concierge Medicine doctor provide all of these services?
Concierge Medicine is an approach to primary care that requires a paid annual membership. This fee allows the doctor to offer enhanced medical attention to a limited number of patients.
Is Concierge Medicine covered by my insurance?
Your insurance will be used for the usual items such as office visits, labs, x-rays, special tests that are ordered and similar items. However, the annual membership fee is NOT covered by Medicare or any other health insurance program and is the responsibility of the member who choses this service. The Concierge Medicine cost entails an annual membership fee that can be paid annually, biannually, quarterly, or monthly. For more information regarding the fee, click this link.
Do I still need health insurance?
Yes! You still need health insurance. The membership fee is for the amenities and enhancements described in this document, which are not considered professional service. You may still use your insurance for office visits, labs, x-ray, and other ancillary services such as outpatient testing, visits to specialists, hospital charges, etc.
Is there a fee for office visits?
Yes; there is a fee for office visits. Office visit fees can be submitted by Lakeshore Concierge Medicine (LCM) to your insurance company. LCM accepts most insurance types - including Medicare. Your Membership is compatible with, and complementary to, your health insurance coverage. Your health insurance covers traditional health care services that are provided and billed for by the LCM professional practice. Your membership fee pays for the amenities and enhancements that are described at this link.
Once I am a member, how will I contact Dr. Rexford?
For less urgent matter you may contact us through your Athena Portal Account (set up through the office). You may contact us by calling or texting the office telephone (231-215-5046) during normal office hours, or by text message or call to Dr. Rexford’s mobile phone outside of office hours.
What are other BENEFITS of Concierge Medicine that are included in membership?
Some of the conveniences of this model include: an annual Executive style physical with an individualized treatment plan and a focus on prevention and wellness, same/next day office visits, on-time appointments, unhurried appointments, ease of scheduling, and direct physician contact information for after-hours emergencies.
What services does Dr. Rexford provide in the office?
Dr. Rexford is a physician who provides a broad range of clinical skills. These skills include the usual items that you would expect from a primary care physician as well as others that you may not expect. These include: chronic disease management, annual wellness exams, skin exams, wellness recommendations, pre-surgical exams, and management of multiple and various office surgical procedures. Common items include skin lesion removal and joint injections as warranted.
Dr. Rexford is also experienced in outpatient colonoscopy for colon cancer screening and treatment of swallowing difficulty with outpatient upper endoscopy.
What if I want to see a woman for my gynecological exam?
Dr. Rexford is experienced and able to offer routine gynecologic care. The practice recognizes that some prefer a female physician for such care. If you are a patient of Dr. Rexford and would prefer to see someone else for your gynecological care, we can refer you for such services.
What happens if I need to go to the hospital for admission or testing?
If you need hospitalization for a medical condition you would be admitted to the local hospital by a physician who specializes in hospital medicine (called a “hospitalist”). If you need surgery in the hospital you would be referred to the appropriate surgeon. For needed outpatient testing, this would be arranged for you through the doctor’s office. Dr. Rexford can help facilitate the best place for you to be referred when such a referral is needed.
Must I use a particular lab or hospital?
Dr. Rexford will consider your wishes and your comfort level with the lab or hospital through which you desire to have your testing or treatment completed.
What if Dr. Rexford is not available?
In cases in which Dr. Rexford is away or not available in the office, his staff is able to reach him for patient needs.
Can I get an appointment with Dr. Rexford to discuss my interest in his Concierge Medicine practice and become a member?
Dr. Rexford would love to have a phone or face-to-face consultation to discuss your interest in his Concierge Medicine practice. You may contact us through this web site or by calling our office directly.
“Concierge Medicine is healthcare as it SHOULD be.”