It’s a fair question, and one we hear at almost every meet-and-greet. Membership-based primary care adds a monthly fee on top of what you may already pay for health insurance. Whether that is worth it depends on what you want from your doctor.
Here is how we suggest thinking it through.
What the membership fee pays for
In a traditional practice, a doctor may care for 2,000 or more patients. That math is what leads to short visits and long waits. At New Cadence Healthcare, each doctor keeps a smaller patient panel, and each patient gets an annual personalized wellness/physical exam, and the membership fee is what makes that possible.
In practical terms, members get:
- Longer visits, with time to talk through more than one concern
- Prompt appointments, because the schedule isn’t stretched thin
- A secure patient portal you can message any time, with replies from our team during business hours
- Preventive care and an annual physical that is a real conversation, not a checklist
- Help coordinating specialists, so you aren’t starting from scratch
You can see everything included on our membership page.
Who tends to get the most out of it
Membership care is a strong fit for people who want a long-term relationship with one doctor. That includes adults managing a chronic condition, people who want to stay ahead of their health in their 40s, 50s and beyond, busy professionals who can’t spend a morning in a waiting room, and adult children helping care for a parent.
Many of our members join as couples or families, so everyone in the household has the same doctor and the same care team.
Questions to ask before you join
- How many patients does each doctor care for?
- How long is a typical visit?
- How do I reach the office, and when will I hear back?
- What happens after hours?
- How does membership work with my insurance?
Any practice you are considering should be able to answer all five clearly. Ours are on the membership page, and our front desk is happy to walk you through the rest.
How the cost works
Membership is a monthly fee (or it can be paid annually, semi-annually, or quarterly, if you prefer) based on age, with options for couples and families. Because every household is different, our front desk can go over the numbers with you one-on-one.
The best way to decide
Meet the doctor. Curious what care looks like here? Call our office at 562-248-2999 to schedule a free 60-minute meet-and-greet with Dr. Hu or Dr. Rasmussen. It isn’t a medical visit, just a chance to meet your doctor and ask how the practice works.
Common questions
Is membership-based primary care the same as insurance?
No. Membership covers your relationship with your primary care doctor and practice, and it is separate from health insurance. Our front desk can explain how it works with your coverage.
How much does membership cost at New Cadence?
Membership is a monthly fee (or it can be paid annually, semi-annually, or quarterly, if you prefer) based on age, with options for couples and families. Call 562-248-2999 and our front desk will go over the details for your household.
Can I meet the doctor before I join?
Yes. We offer a free 60-minute meet-and-greet with Dr. Hu or Dr. Rasmussen. It isn’t a medical visit, just a chance to see if we’re a good fit.