WHAT IS CONCIERGE MEDICINE?
Concierge medicine is a new model of health care in which the patient pays a fee upfront to become a ‘member’ of a practice. Concierge medicine was developed in response to increasing pressure on physicians to see more patients in less time, resulting in rushed appointments, nurse gatekeepers, longer wait times, and a less satisfying patient-physician relationship. In this new model, physicians see a much smaller number of patients and are able to provide far superior service and care.
At Rappaport Pediatrics, the concierge model gives us the freedom to practice medicine in a way that we believe offers the best experience for our families. With fewer patients, we can spend more time with each child and delve into issues not usually addressed during brief appointments. Phone calls are answered personally and parents know that they can easily get an appointment whenever they need it. We don’t want you to sit in a crowded waiting room or wait anxiously for a call back. The difference is significant – which can be seen through the glowing reviews (link to testimonials page) we receive from our families.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Our annual fee is based on a child’s age, with a vaccine surcharge added during the first 18 months. Families with multiple children receive a discount for each additional child. Membership fees can be paid annually, semi-annually, or quarterly, and markedly reduced office fees are accepted for sick and well-child visits. . For more information on our fee structure, please contact us at 224-255-6001.
WHY IS THERE A VACCINE SURCHARGE?
Vaccines are administered based on the American Academy of Pediatric guidelines, and a surcharge is assessed during the first 18 months to cover the full complement of vaccines. We pass our physician cost savings for vaccines directly to you, without inflating our prices with vaccine administration fees or inflated prices commonly found in typical pediatric offices.
WHAT DOES THE MEMBERSHIP FEE INCLUDE?
This fee covers unlimited access to Dr. Rappaport, an annual well child exam, a variety of in-office tests and screenings, and the extensive BENEFITS listed above. We limit the size of our practice to ensure that we have plenty of time to invest in your child’s care.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
We are an out-of-network provider, which means we do not have contracts with any insurance companies. You can ask your current insurance provider about your out-of-network benefits to see what will be covered. We will submit claims on your behalf electronically for office visits, vaccines, and in-office testing, and any reimbursement will be sent directly to you. Many of our patients find that their insurance company provides credit toward deductibles or reimbursement for a good portion of their visits, lab tests, and vaccines. You can also often use your health savings account (HAS) or flexible spending account (FSA) toward health expenses.
DO I STILL NEED HEALTH INSURANCE?
Yes, you will still need health insurance to cover additional services your child might need, including emergency care, surgery, and medications. Out of office lab work, x-rays, or tests will be billed directly to your insurance company, just as in a typical pediatric practice.
WHY SHOULD I PAY A MEMBERSHIP FEE WHEN I ALREADY HAVE INSURANCE?
At Rappaport Pediatrics we understand that there is nothing more important than your child’s health. We know that you spend endless time and energy seeking out the best opportunities and resources for your children. By joining Rappaport Pediatrics, you are choosing to make an investment in your family, at a monthly fee on par with what many people pay for their own fitness classes, a night on the town, or routine housekeeping. We believe that having a pediatrician who truly knows you and your family, and whom you can contact 24 hours a day for health care, support, and parental advice is a worthy investment.