How an Integrative Concierge Membership Can Transform Your Health Journey

We live in a fast-paced world where inflation is at an all time high. The cost of health insurance and healthcare is rising, but the quality of care is declining leading to care that is impersonal and transactional. At an average of seven minutes given per patient in the insurance-driven allopathic healthcare model, it’s no wonder that many individuals are seeking a more holistic approach to their wellbeing.

Those who understand the importance of investing in their longevity and want a more personalized approach have been embracing functional and integrative medical practices. More people are demanding health coaching in their primary care, physical medicine modalities that go beyond cortisone and muscle relaxants, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, mental health informed providers, and a mind-body approach to their health condition.

But the rising cost of health insurance and healthcare services have made finding affordable and effective care challenging. Rebel Med NW offers a hybrid concierge model that can meet these needs while allowing for an easier budgeting strategy.

.

Check out this recent article on Medscape that highlights the different ways primary care physicians are penalized from utilizing lifestyle recommendations, and how the system is set up to position medication prescribing as the only marker of success.

At Rebel Med NW, we have faced many hurdles over our 10 years of practicing medicine including but not limited to:

• Covid-19 vaccine denials
• Varying insurance companies denying or approving the very same diagnosis codes for acupuncture while each quoting “clinical evidence” or lack thereof for each of their decisions – directly conflicting one another
• Removal of payments over 2 years later for medically necessary services because the insurance carrier made an error
• Not covering medications a patient had been stable on for years, because they switched their formulary to an alternative preferred medication.

Recently, another article in The Economist highlights the profits many of the health insurance companies are taking– from the premiums that you are paying into. These are just a few of the many examples that exist that have unfortunately led to the high cost of health insurance and healthcare in America

Financial and Health Benefits of our Concierge Model

Direct Pricing Labs:

With concierge care, you benefit from direct pricing on labs and procedures  without the overhead and headache of dealing with insurance companies. Concierge practices can offer these services at a reduced out of pocket cost. This pricing transparency means you know exactly what you’re paying for without any hidden fees. For example, a Vitamin D test can cost $40 through direct pricing, compared to when it is ordered and denied by insurance it can be as high as $280. Similarly, hormone testing such as Testosterone could be achieved much cheaper through concierge than when processed through some health insurance plans.

Direct Use of HSA Dollars:

Integrative concierge practices typically allow you to pay directly with your Health Savings Account (HSA) funds. This means you can use pre-tax dollars towards services that you choose like functional medicine consultations or acupuncture sessions —services that traditional insurance may not cover or have extremely limited benefits for. Many HSA plans allow dollars to be spent on health related services at your discretion, no referrals, or prior authorizations needed.

Preventive and Personalized Care:

Rebel Med NW’s Integrative Concierge memberships emphasize prevention, wellness, and the treatment of the whole person. With our concierge practice, you have a partner in health who works with you to educate and create a personalized plan of action. This approach can reduce the need for expensive treatments later on in life by focusing on maintaining optimal health now. And for patients who are already managing chronic conditions, it’s never too late. Managing your condition with the education and support provided at our office can prevent or slow down the progression of disease, and support you around your allopathic treatment strategies.

In addition, Rebel Med NW providers are familiar with the insurance model, and can help you navigate the services and procedures that are covered by your insurance benefits. We aim to work with you to tailor your preventative and primary care needs so that you are finally getting what you’re paying for.

No Surprises:

Insurance-based healthcare can be full of surprises from unclear explanation of benefits to unexpected denials. With a concierge service, the terms are clear-cut, and your annual membership fee covers a defined list of services, giving you peace of mind and control over your healthcare spending.

Our Recommendation: Embrace a High Deductible HSA Plan and choose Concierge Care

Biofeedback/VR Biofeedback Specialist, Mind-Body Specialist, Physical Medicine Specialist
Seattle Met Top Doctor 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020