Is Personalized Healthcare of Arizona a Concierge Medical Practice?
The term “concierge” medicine is used to describe many types of medical practices, such as direct care and membership medical practices, where a fee is collected to provide benefits that are not covered by insurance. PHCAZ is a membership medical practice and charges a membership fee, bills insurance, collects co-pays, and co-insurance. In return for the fee, the patient receives benefits such as faster appointment scheduling, adequate time to address your medical needs, enhanced access to your provider, and many additional services.
Other types of concierge practices such as direct primary care practices typically charge a much higher fee than membership practices and do not bill insurance. Direct primary care is considered by the State of Arizona to be a service distinct from health insurance. Direct primary care providers do not participate in any insurance plans and therefore do not maintain accreditation with Medicare and most private insurance companies. This is what distinguishes direct primary from a membership medical practice like PHCAZ.
Why should I pay an annual membership fee?
The primary benefits of becoming a member of Personalized Healthcare of Arizona includes services that are not available in traditional medical practices. Examples of these benefits are more time with your provider, same day or next day appointments for urgent medical issues, timely scheduling of routine appointments, and access to a provider from the practice after office hours.
Do I need health insurance?
Medical insurance coverage is strongly recommended to cover the costs of hospitalizations, surgery, medical imaging, laboratory analyses, medical therapies such as cancer treatment, etc. As described above, PHCAZ utilizes both a membership fee and traditional health insurance billing to provide comprehensive care.
Do I still need to pay my copays?
Copayments and coinsurance are a requirement imposed on medical practices by insurance companies. It is considered fraud by Medicare and private insurance plans if the required patient liability payment is not collected, and a provider may lose their credentialing with Medicare or a private insurance company.
When is the annual fee due and what are the payment options?
The annual PHCAZ membership term starts on September 1 of each year and is renewed annually. The annual membership fee can be paid once a year or monthly. There are no administrative fees for monthly payments.
Will I have to wait to get an appointment?
Patients needing urgent same day or next day appointments will be accommodated. In the event that your assigned provider is not available, urgent medical issues will be addressed by the most available provider.
Is there an extra fee for immunizations, lab tests, and procedures done at the office?
Select immunizations, lab tests, and procedures may be available at the office depending on current and seasonal recommendations. We will work with you based on your insurance plan and current needs to accommodate.
If I have to go to the hospital, will you oversee that care?
In Arizona, a patient’s care in a hospital is overseen by a hospitalist. Our providers coordinate care by working closely with the hospital during your stay.
How do I join your practice?
Please contact Personalized Healthcare of Arizona at 520-525-9433 to speak to our excellent staff.