Saunders Medicine FAQs:
Our practice is dedicated to providing highly personalized, modern and accessible primary care, that is grounded in a strong doctor-patient relationship. By joining a practice approximately half the size of local concierge practices, you can feel confident that you will have Dr. Saunders’ utmost attention. Having fewer patient means more flexibility to offer extended hours of operations, same-day or next-day appointments, and 24/7 access to your physician. For a yearly membership fee, you can expect a modernized primary care experience in which you feel listened to and are not rushed out the door.
No, we will not bill your insurance for primary care services. By eliminating the middle men of health insurance companies, this allows us to focus more directly on you, the patient. Less administrative burden means unlimited, extended visits with your doctor. Patients also gain the confidence that their care is being driven by the most up-to-date evidence-based medicine, not insurance regulations. Since we are not beholden to insurance companies for payment, we can also provide care in any means convenient to you, such as phone call or text.
Traditionally, insurance companies reimburse physicians very little for primary care. As a result, insurance-based primary care practices are driven to consolidate appointments into brief, 15-minute slots. This creates impersonal, unsatisfying patient interactions and contributes to long wait times and the lack of same-day or next-day appointments. At Saunders Medicine, the yearly membership fee buys you a high-quality experience that is drastically different. We are proud to offer unlimited, 30-90 minutes appointments, including same-day or next-day visits, without any additional copay.
Yes. The yearly membership fee covers ongoing primary care services; however, insurance is still needed to cover elements beyond the scope of our practice, including hospitalizations and specialist referrals. Other elements of your healthcare – such as laboratory testing, imaging, and medications – get billed through insurance by the third-party entities who perform the services, same as is customary.
Yes, Dr. Saunders will be happy to see you, however, she does not accept any form of health insurance and therefore, will not bill Medicare for her services. Federal regulations require that she opt out of Medicare so that you may be seen by the practice. Upon becoming eligible for Medicare, patients will need only sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor Dr. Saunders will attempt to bill Medicare for her services. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations.
No. However, certain Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans may reimburse you for a portion of the membership fee. Please check with your HR representative or HSA/FSA plan manager to find out.
You should join for two reasons. First, for the most up-to-date primary care experience informed by the latest evidence-based medicine. The second reason is because preventative care – including screening tests, discussions about healthy behaviors and disease prevention – are at the core of living a long, healthy life. As part of our practice, we will work together to ensure that you feel educated and empowered to lead a healthier lifestyle. By building a relationship with a doctor when you are young, you are also better equipped to navigate future health challenges.
Our standard hours of operation are 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. We also offer the convenience of extended office hours, including evening and early morning office hours on two separate business days.
No. As a small concierge practice, you will be seen exclusively by Dr. Saunders, a board-certified internal medicine physician.