Staying healthy now will prevent loss of income, expensive hospitalizations and preventable illness in the future.  Dr. Davis believes strongly in prevention of illness. This is why she included the wellness visit as part of the annual fee.  Dr. Davis will use this time to help you identify any future health concerns, such as diabetes, stroke or heart disease, at a stage when they can possibly be prevented.  An emphasis on healthy living is made and goals will be set based on your individual needs.

Without the annual fee, Dr. Davis would have to serve many more patients and therefore not be able to provide the same level of responsive and personal service.   Members are making an investment in their health and in the transformation of our health care system.

Dr. Davis advocates for her patients by asking hospitals and other health service providers to reveal their prices so her patients can make informed decisions regarding the least expensive option for good medical care. 

She also does not contract with any insurance companies, so it is clear that she is working in her patient’s best interest, not for hidden corporate agendas that may directly conflict with her patient’s care.

No.  Dr. Davis’ goal is to increase access for uninsured patients by keeping fees simple and reasonable.  However, she has no control over costs of health care services outside of Meliora.  Unexpected health emergencies do occur, so we strongly encourage enrollment in some form of insurance plan to cover emergencies, such as catastrophic coverage.  Enrollment in traditional health insurance, Medicare, or other major medical plan should also cover services provided outside of Meliora Family Medicine.

Patients with any insurance can enroll in the practice, but your insurance plan is between you and your insurance company.  Dr. Davis does not contract with any insurance plans, and is therefore considered an “out of network provider.” 

When you receive office services, Meliora will provide you with paperwork that you will submit to your insurance.  Your insurance company then determines your reimbursement.  You will continue to give your insurance information to the lab, specialist office, or hospital for services outside of Meliora. 

Certain HMO’s usually require you to have an “in network provider” for referrals outside of Meliora to be covered. Be sure and check your plan’s details regarding their practices, as this responsibility now falls to you.  The annual fee itself is not covered by any insurance or Medicare.

Patients with Medicare are welcome to join the practice, but Dr. Davis is nor contracted with Medicare.  Any services provided by Dr. Davis are not covered by Medicare due to federal regulations.  Services ordered by me, such as your prescriptions, oxygen therapy, physical therapy, home health care and the like, will continue to be covered by Medicare, as long as you are not enrolled in a Medicare HMO plan.  You must find out the rules of your particular agreement.

As long as your Medicare service provider is not an HMO, services provided by other facilities and physicians who are contracted with Medicare will continue to be covered by Medicare, even if you are a member of my practice.

Individual office services, including office visits, office procedures as well as labs done in the office may qualify for use in HSA and FSA’s.  It is the annual fee that is unclear as to whether it legally qualifies.  Seek assistance on this question from your authorized plan representative.  You are responsible for knowing your plan’s rules and regulations.