FAQ

Not exactly. Concierge medicine typically charges hundreds to thousands of dollars per month on top of billing your insurance. Direct primary care does not bill your insurance, though is often described as concierge-like due to the increased accessibility and time we’re able to spend with patients.

The monthly membership includes appointments without copays and direct access to your physician via text, phone, and email. Significant discounts that we have access to on labs, imaging, and medications are also passed on to our members.

Hospitalizations, emergency room visits, gynecology, obstetrics, surgeries, and specialist consultations are not covered. Cost of labs, medications, and radiologic studies are also not included. Our practice also does not prescribe chronic benzodiazepines, opioids, or ADHD medications. We are happy to facilitate referrals to the appropriate specialists as needed.

Direct primary care complements insurance spectacularly. When given enough time as in direct primary care, many medical concerns can be addressed without referrals. If specialist care is needed, we are also able to more closely coordinate care.

While the monthly fee is paid by the member and not covered by any insurance, many members are still able to use their insurance to cover medications, labs, imaging, and even referrals if they choose. Often, the discounted cash pay price of these items is still lower than the member’s insurance copay.

Physicians who accept payments from third party payers (e.g. insurance companies) must also abide by all the restrictions and limitations those companies set on how your healthcare is provided to you. Instead, at Forte Health, we are accountable to you directly - for your health and for your benefit.

Choosing not to accept payments from insurance companies allows us to sustainably and appropriately care for a smaller number of patients while reducing the cost of care for our patients.

We always do recommend that individuals carry health insurance for the truly catastrophic and unexpected, such as conditions that may require hospitalization or surgery.
Some patients may choose a high deductible health plan (HDHP) that complements direct primary care well and can significantly lower monthly health insurance premiums.

We certainly hope to have a long-lasting patient-physician relationship. However, we do understand that circumstances can change, and you need to find the right fit for your medical care and situation. There is no long-term contract. You may cancel your membership at any time with a 30 days’ written notice (email/letter). I will remain your doctor for the remaining 30 days, and any additional incurred charges during the final billing cycle will be due. If you decide to rejoin and there is availability in the practice, please know that a $250 re-enrollment fee does apply.

We specialize in family medicine and sports medicine care from ages 3 and up with a focus on preventative health, clinical diagnosis, and acute and chronic health management. We also manage general urgent care needs.

Yes, we will likely limit our panel to 300-400 patients. This limit frees us to maintain the highest quality care for our patients. This number may be adjusted (up or down) depending on clinic bandwidth. If we are at capacity, you may sign up for our waitlist and will be notified when there is availability.

Yes, members often find that their monthly membership fee can be reimbursable through their FSA or HSA. We recommend that you consult with your accountant or plan administrator for specific guidance.

We accept most major credit cards and ACH. There is a 3% credit card fee.