Frequently Asked Questions

An endocrinologist’s role as educator, guide and the patient’s best advocate is at risk in today’s medical environment. One of the greatest gift as a doctor is to be able to connect with patients, interpret their needs and provide the right guidance. Unfortunately, in recent years, the medical landscape has changed and mounting administrative tasks take time once devoted to patient care. The challenges for patients add up: long waits both for an appointment and in the waiting room, along with limited availability to me outside office visits. Most importantly, there is little time to delve deeper outside of pressing issues. This became unacceptable to me and to my patients.

I believe concierge medicine provides the best solution, enhancing healthcare services, offering longer appointment times, and addressing patients need in a timely manner.

Our goal is to provide the highest-quality endocrine care and service, emphasizing a proactive, comprehensive approach to both disease prevention and wellness. I strive to provide excellence in care that is both compassionate and truly patient-focused. From the moment you enter my office, I want you to be completely satisfied with every aspect of your care.

A concierge practice, with ample time to focus on preventive measures, wellness and cutting edge knowledge of 21st century approaches to endocrinology, has proven to be one of the most effective models for maintaining health. If you do have an emergent medical issue – and we recognize that health is unpredictable – you will have peace of mind that the doctor who knows you best will be available when needed. A call to my office or cell phone after hours can frequently prevent a trip to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic.

Your annual fee pays for those non-clinical, non-covered services. Professional services that are covered by Medicare or a commercial insurance plan will be billed separately—generally to your health plan—and you will continue to be responsible for any applicable co-pays or deductibles relating to those services.

My goal is to be available to my patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, there will be occasions when I am out of town or otherwise unavailable. In these situations, a trusted colleague will serve as my covering physician.

Yes. Our medical practice will not take the place of general health insurance coverage. Our practice is a endocrionology medical practice, not a health insurance program. You are advised to continue your Medicare or other health insurance program coverage and to participate in your FSA or HSA plan.

I intend to remain an in-network provider for most major PPO insurance plans and will bill your insurance directly for professional services that are covered by those plans (office visit charges are not included in your annual fee). If the terms of your insurance plan require a co-pay, I am obligated to request payment at the time of service.

The annual fee is not reimbursable by your insurance plan.

Yes. My office will file your claims with Medicare as well as with your supplemental insurer on your behalf, as required by law. For any patients who have a Medicare Advantage plan, office visit fees that are not reimbursed by insurance will be the responsibility of the patient.

No. The annual fee only includes services and benefits described in the Highlights & Details that are not covered my Medicare (or any other payor) and will not be paid for or reimbursed by Medicare.

In some instances, the annual fee, or part of the fee, may be payable through your HSA. You are advised to consult with your FSA or HSA plan administrator, employer, HR representative or tax adviser to clarify qualification in your particular circumstance.

Your membership agreement can be terminated upon 30 days’ written notice to me/my practice. If you move and wish to secure a new physician, the annual fee will be refunded on a prorated basis. The last three years of your records will be sent to your new physician upon receipt of a signed release from you authorizing/directing me/my practice to send the records to your new physician. This release of records is required by law.

For information on our Concierge Practice, call 703-873-7425 or email us at info@novaendocenter.com