Our answers to some frequently asked questions.
A: All concierge models are designed to provide patients more time with and access to their physician. At CC:MD, having fewer patients translates into having more time. Time to listen to patients, to thoroughly review and organize medical records, and to be involved in referrals—not just finding the best referral but time to follow up to ensure patients are getting the best care. It also means having the time to research medical science to be the best medical advisers.
But that's just the beginning. After practicing concierge medicine for over a decade, Dr. Carrie Carter learned that there is a lot more involved in providing excellent medical care than just having more time with patients. It takes a team of individuals working together to help patients navigate today's complicated medical system. It takes access to information and technology because the decisions we make are only as good as the information we have.
The true team approach distinguishes CC:MD, where all the medical professionals—physicians, nurses, and support staff—are invested in and committed to patient care. It may seem like a subtle difference, but when the person answering the phone thinks of you as their patient, your care is better. Whether you're scheduling an appointment, refilling a prescription, calling about a routine medical question, or having a medical emergency, everyone at CC:MD is on your team.
A: We have limited our number of patients to 150 per physician so that we can be actively involved in the care of every patient. On average, traditional internal medicine physicians have more than 1,500 patients, and concierge internal medicine practices average between 400 and 600 patients per provider.
A: The retainer fee covers your annual exam and all testing and routine vaccinations done in the office. It also includes all in-office follow up visits, phone calls, and telehealth visits throughout the year. You have access to your physician and team via phone, email, and a secure HIPAA-compliant patient portal. Our physicians are available via phone after hours for any emergencies or urgent medical needs that should not wait until office hours. Your annual retainer fee ensures that you have a team of healthcare experts proactively advising you on your healthcare needs throughout the year. We never compromise care for convenience. We promise to provide attention to detail, thoughtful collaboration, efficiency, and respect for your time in every interaction.
A: : Routine blood work, overnight pulse oximetry, audiometry, EKG, preventative vaccinations, upper respiratory infection panels, and COVID-19 testing.
A: We do not take insurance; however, we can submit a courtesy bill to insurance companies on behalf of our patients for direct reimbursements. Because we are considered out of network with all commercial insurance companies, reimbursement is usually about 70% of what in-network reimbursement would be.
A: Due to Medicare guidelines, we are unable to submit any claims to Medicare for in-office visits or testing. However, Medicare does cover most routine lab work, imaging, subspecialty care, and hospitalizations.
A: Yes, imaging studies and labs are still covered according to your insurance plan because they are billed directly to your insurance company by the imaging centers and laboratories.
A: Yes, we highly recommend that patients carry health insurance for visits with subspecialists, imaging, laboratory studies, medication coverage, and hospitalization.
A: We have full admitting privileges at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. We can work with all emergency departments and hospitals in the area and have a close working relationship with UT Southwestern and William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. No matter where our patients are admitted, we can communicate with and coordinate care with treating physicians in those hospitals.
A: Yes, we do use hospitalists because it's a best practice for your care. Because most hospitalists don't know their patients, our ability to consult with them and provide vital information results in better care while our patients are in the hospital and upon discharge. Our level of involvement is much higher than the average concierge doctor.
A: Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, our physicians are available to you by phone after hours and on weekends.
A: The reality is that everyone would benefit from concierge medical care, but we find that there are three main categories of patients that benefit most.
One category includes patients with serious or complex medical issues. Compiling, organizing, and prioritizing your medical history can be overwhelming, even before you begin coordinating your medical care. That's true whether you have one serious medical condition or 15 chronic medical conditions. If you're scared or you don't feel well, having someone you know and trust to help guide you through those situations can make all the difference in your care.
Another category of patients who benefit from concierge medical care is individuals with medical anxiety. There is a difference between true health and peace of mind, and both are incredibly important. Any time a gap exists between those two realities—regardless of which is winning out—there's a problem. Whether it's a patient who thinks they are healthy but is at high risk of cancer or heart disease, or if it's a patient who is healthy but is worried something is wrong with them or is convinced they are going to develop cancer at a young age because of their family history—both situations are problematic. At CC:MD, we help patients close that gap.
Another category of patients who benefit from concierge medical care are those who value quality and service. Medicine has become incredibly complex over the last 20 years. Having direct access to an expert health care adviser and team who knows you well, cares about you as an individual, and has the time to help is invaluable.
A: In the days before the internet and email, carbon paper was used to create “carbon copies” of all important documents. The carbon copy was the permanent backup of vital information and correspondence for an individual or company. Today, we still “CC” all involved individuals and groups in emails and letters to ensure that important information is available to those who need it most. CC:MD builds on that idea. To our patients, we're permanent backup for your healthcare information and trusted source of that vital knowledge for other healthcare providers involved.