FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Access Family Medicine?
Access Family Medicine is Lincoln’s first direct payment primary care medical practice, a pattern of family health care that is immediate, thorough, comprehensive, specific, easily affordable, and very, very personal.
What sets Access Family Medicine apart from other practices?
We have shrugged the bureaucracy. We have shredded red tape. In refusing to recognize any interference with the sanctity of the patient/physician relationship, we have returned family practice medicine to its root values of clinical excellence for and compassionate knowledge of every patient. In every aspect of family health care and custom health care, we promise accessibility, convenience, and affordability.
Will I have to pay a fee for my office visits?
No. Your membership covers all of your office visits. There is no copay. The only additional fees you may need to pay are for wholesale and discounted labs, meds or imaging.
Does Access Family Medicine accept health insurance?
No. Happily, no.
Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. While the tender mercies of an insurance company might apply to the fixing of a damaged fender on your automobile, we see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your family’s health care.
We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payors. Furthermore, this direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications.
As a patient of Access Family Medicine, will I still need health insurance?
Yes. We recommend that our patients continue to carry both a major medical plan and a health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. We’re happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.
Can you help me find affordable insurance for my family or my business?
Absolutely. We’re fortunate to work with the industry leaders in health insurance who build custom plans that remove much of the waste and inefficiency from a typical, bloated policy. We’ve been able to save families nearly $1,000/month and many businesses up to 50% while providing a higher level of care. If you’re interested in speaking with a health insurance expert, contact 402-858-1510.
Will I benefit from Access Family Medicine if I don’t require frequent medical attention?
Of course. We might argue that everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. That’s why we offer custom health care. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health and to the enhancements of your daily experience that only physical well-being can bring.
In wellness and therapeutic care alike, Access’ great ally is time. Large amounts of precious, irretrievable time given to you as you wish. Every visit, for whatever reason, will be easy going in its absolute thoroughness, relaxed in answering your questions and addressing the need of the moment. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive, intimate knowledge of your health— invaluable understanding available in no other regimen of care.
If I have Medicare, can I still join Access Family Medicine?
Yes. You need only sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor will directly bill Medicare for our services. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by our offices.
Is my membership to Access Family Medicine tax deductible?
Unfortunately, no. Your retainer is not yet defined as a “medical expense” in most states and as such is not deductible. The American Academy of Family Physicians, however, is lobbying hard to win rightful deductibility for these expenses. In the meantime, consult with your tax consultant to clarify tax consequences in your particular circumstance.
What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?
In providing superb care with unprecedented sorts of access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to treat you during your hospital stay or work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.
Can children become members of Access Family Medicine?
Yes. We are happy to accept the children (birth to 20 years of age) of our enrolled clients.
Can I contact my physician after hours?
By all means, yes! Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call your physicians any day, at any hour.
What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home?
Naturally, we provide such care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of Access Family Medicine’s independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick and away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text or webcam. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.
Are my medical records ever shared with insurance carriers or pharmaceutical companies?
We maintain scrupulous standards of privacy. We are never obligated to provide any third party with a copy of your records, unless you specifically ask that we do so.
What makes this better for people?
Our physicians are not paid per appointment. This frees them to spend more time with you. When physicians are rushed to go from patient to patient, that pressure can prevent good listening, which is required for accurate diagnosing and development of a treatment plan that is best for you. Ultimately, your physician can give you better care, leading to you saving time and money.
Ready to sign up for better healthcare? Join Access Family Medicine today