Frequently Asked Questions
Practice Questions
What is the mission of this practice?
Our goal is to provide the highest quality cardiovascular and general medical care and service, emphasizing a proactive, comprehensive approach to both disease prevention and wellness promotion. Services are provided in a relaxed, professional setting. We want you to be completely satisfied with every aspect of your care.
How is this personalized practice different from traditional practices?
This practice allows for more time with each patient, little or no waiting, and a greater ability for us to oversee and coordinate your medical care. Although time may not be the most sophisticated diagnostic tool, we believe having more quality time with our patients allows us to be more proactive as well as reactive in caring for you.
Are you on staff at any hospitals?
Yes. We are on staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Annual Fee and Insurance Questions
What services are provided as a part of my annual fee?
Please see our Member Benefits page for a list of offerings and amenities.
Do I still need health insurance if I enroll with you?
Yes. Our medical practice does not take the place of general health insurance coverage. You are advised to continue your PPO, Medicare or other insurance program as well as participation in your FSA or HSA plan.
Will my insurance still be billed for my office visits?
We will file your claim with your insurance company for office visits. If your insurance carrier/plan requires a co-pay, we are required to collect it at the time of your visit. Office visit charges, with the exception of the benefits listed in your Highlights & Details, are not included in your annual fee.
Will you bill Medicare for the annual fee?
No. The annual fee is only for services NOT covered by Medicare and, as such, cannot be paid for or reimbursed by Medicare. We will continue to file claims with Medicare for your office visits and for any additional tests and procedures performed at my practice that ARE reimbursable by Medicare.
Is the Annual Fee tax deductible?
We cannot advise you on this. You should consult with your tax experts. Some of our patients have been advised that the annual fee is deductible and some have been advised that it is not.
Will private insurance reimburse my annual fee?
It is unlikely that this service will be reimbursable by commercial insurance plans. However, it might be possible to utilize funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) toward the annual fee. You are advised to consult your human resources representative, your FSA or HSA plan manager, or your tax advisor.
“What If” Questions
What if I need labs, x-rays, or to be hospitalized?
Medicine is a team sport. Having all the data available to all of your consulting physicians facilitates your care and so we prefer as much as possible to be done at the core hospital or a satellite of the core hospital with which your AllCare physician is primarily affiliated. However, that isn’t always convenient for the patient, and in those cases, we do everything possible to coordinate the care for you.
What if I become ill while traveling or away on an extended vacation?
If the problem is relatively minor or if you are just not sure what to do, you should call your AllCare physician for advice on the spot. If the problem is severe and especially if it seems life-threatening, of course you must call 911 or the international equivalent. Then, once you get the hospital, you should call your AllCare physician directly or ask the hospital physician to do so.