FAQ’s

• How is this practice different from traditional practice models?

  As a membership-based primary care practice, we limit how many patients we see, so that we have adequate time to appropriately care for our members. It is our goal to take the very best care of you possible, so that you feel comfortable and confident about your healthcare. Your membership fee is in addition to your regular insurance.

• Can being a member replace my health insurance? Do I still need health insurance?

  We are not health insurance. You will still need health insurance to cover labs, specialist care, hospitalizations, imaging studies, surgeries, ER visits, etc. We will still collect your insurance information, as we will need to submit it for labs we order, imaging studies that we order, and referrals we generate.

• Can I use my insurance?

  Membership fees cannot be paid for by insurance. You should still carry insurance for your other health care needs. We can see anyone with any health insurance. However, if you are a part of an HMO, then we will not be able to process referrals for you (we can work on an individual basis to navigate the specifics of the HMO). Therefore, we prefer you have a PPO type of insurance. We will still collect your insurance information so that we can submit it for laboratory, diagnostic studies such as mammography, CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, colonoscopies, etc and referrals to specialists.

• How did you come up with the pricing?

  The pricing was meticulously thought-out based on our costs and our mission to offer care unhindered by the insurance-based healthcare model and the limitations it fosters.

• When do I pay the membership fee?

  We offer two payment options: monthly or annually. You will not be charged until your membership begins. Membership fees are charged on the 1st of each month should you elect to pay monthly. The initial first 3 months of fees are non-cancellable and non-refundable.

• How many patients is my doctor planning to take on with this membership model?

  Under the membership model, the doctor sees fewer patients per day, which will allow her to focus on each patient and, usually, accommodate urgent-need appointments in the same day, or next day. The membership is limited to 300 patients enrolled.

• Will I have access to my doctor 24/7?

  You can send messages via the secure portal at any time and we will respond during business hours. But if it is after-hours, and you need an immediate response, members will have access to like-minded physicians for urgent advice. These would also be the physicians who would care for you should you need to be admitted to a local hospital. If Dr. Sotelo goes on vacation with her family, she will let you know of her plans in advance, and the practice will give you advice on whom to contact should you need something urgently while she is gone.

• How does the membership work with my HSA/FSA?

  Membership costs are designed to qualify as eligible medical expenses such that patients may pay them with HSA/FSA/HRA funds or similar funds, but this is not assured or promised. Patients must confirm eligibility with their tax expert or FSA/HRA plan coordinator.

• What if I want to cancel my membership?

  We want you to be comfortable and satisfied with your care and what you are paying for. Therefore, you can cancel your membership at any time. Any pre-paid membership fees will be prorated and returned to you. If there is a waitlist for members, your spot in the practice will be offered to those on the waiting list. If there is space in the practice, re-enrollment will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and is subject to a re-enrollment fee.

• How will I know if this will be a good fit for me?

  We offer a free meet-and-greet with the doctor. Your comfort is our priority. We absolutely want you to be comfortable with our services. This can be done on the telephone as well if that is more convenient for you. Again, we are here to make your healthcare convenient.

• Will my doctor make house calls?

  House calls are not considered part of the membership service. However, we can do visits over video from the comfort of your home, or even just a phone call if you don’t feel comfortable with using video technology.

• My doctor was very popular in her old practice and it was hard to get in to see her. Will that be the case at the new location?

  Your doctor is committed to limiting the total size of the practice, so that patient members are able to enjoy the benefits of the membership. It would be best to enroll quickly before she fills up completely. Thereafter, there will be a wait-list.

• Still have questions?

  No problem. Contact us