What is Concierge Medicine?

doctor holding stack of files and papers

Concierge medicine is a unique model of health care in which a doctor takes on a limited number of patients who enroll in the practice and are provided with enhanced care. Concierge physicians typically care for fewer patients than in conventional medical practices, and are, therefore, able to develop individualized relationships with each patient.

Dr. Mazzone established his Premier Concierge Medical Practice in order to provide a higher level of patient care. He focuses on preventative care and wellness, and coordinates his patients’ care in an unhurried and meaningful way.

Dr. Mazzone’s Premier Concierge Medical Practice is different from some other concierge practices you may have heard of in the area or nationwide. Dr. Mazzone will not bill your health insurance for your primary care services provided at his office. While this is not health insurance, your primary care needs are covered by the cost of the annual enrollment fee. At many other concierge practices, the membership fee only covers an annual physical and all of your other visits with the doctor are not included.

FAQ

What services are provided as part of my annual enrollment fee?

Your annual enrollment fee covers all services in advance that Dr. Mazzone may provide you during the year to cover your primary care needs. The services that will be covered are:

  • All primary care visits with Dr. Mazzone throughout the year
  • Same-day or next-day appointments with limited or no waiting room time
  • Access to Dr. Mazzone via personal cell phone or text message 24/7
  • An annual Executive Physical that includes preventative wellness tests
  • Expedited referrals to specialists and post-visit coordination with each specialist
  • Personalized coordination of your care if you are admitted to the hospital
  • Same-day prescription refill submittals
  • Annual flu shot
  • Any necessary x-rays ordered by Dr. Mazzone
  • Ear lavage
  • Minor suture repair
  • Shave biopsies
  • Cryotherapy for minor skin lesions
  • Personalized nutrition, weight loss, exercise, and dietary education
  • Quarterly newsletter on topics relevant to your health and well-being
  • Periodic free wellness seminars and exercise options, including healthy cooking classes, yoga and meditation, and hiking with Dr. Mazzone
  • End-of-life counseling visits with patients and family

What does the annual Executive Physical entail?

The Executive Physical is focused on preventative care, wellness, and lessening the effects of prior personal health issues, and include:

  • Complete wellness screening
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Spirometry lung test
  • A review of baseline laboratory tests (complete metabolic panel (CMP), complete blood count (CBC), lipid panel, and urinalysis)
  • Audiogram hearing test
  • Head to toe skin exam
  • Metabolic weight loss counseling
What is the cost of the annual enrollment fee?

The annual enrollment fee is $2,800 for an individual and $5,500 for a married couple. Your annual enrollment fee is due in full upon your enrollment or may be paid in quarterly installments, and covers a 1-year period.

Do I still need health insurance if I enroll in this personalized care medical practice?

Yes. Enrolling in this personalized care medical practice does not substitute for health insurance coverage. You will still need health insurance for all non-primary care needs, including specialist visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, diagnostic imaging, medications, or labs.

Can I use my insurance to pay the annual enrollment fee?

Your insurance is unlikely to reimburse you for this fee. It may be possible to use funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) toward the annual enrollment fee.

Additionally, Dr. Mazzone can provide you with an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that you may use to seek reimbursement from your insurance company for many of the services he provides.

Is the annual enrollment fee tax deductible?

The annual enrollment fee may be tax deductible. Please contact your tax advisor for further information.

Is Dr. Mazzone a Participating Provider for Medicare?

No. Medicare does not permit billing for this type of personalized care medical practice. Therefore, Dr. Mazzone has opted out of Medicare. He will continue to be able to provide referrals for Medicare patients.

Do you bill Medicare for my annual enrollment fee?

No. No aspect of the personalized care medical practice can be charged to Medicare. The annual enrollment fee cannot be paid for by Medicare and you cannot seek reimbursement for the fee from Medicare directly.

Is Dr. Mazzone a Primary Care Physician for CCPN?

No. While it is possible to join this personalized care medical practice if you utilize CCPN insurance, it may not be advisable to do so. As you likely know, CCPN requires authorization for things like specialist referrals, some medications, lab orders, and diagnostic imaging from your Primary Care Physician, which cannot be Dr. Mazzone. Therefore, you would likely still need to maintain and see a Primary Care Physician even if you are enrolled in the personalized care medical practice.

What happens if I wish to discontinue enrollment in the personalized care medical practice or pass away?

If you decide to discontinue enrollment in the personalized care medical practice for any reason before you have received your annual Executive Physical, you will be reimbursed the pro-rated amount of the annual enrollment fee (calculated by unused months). Additionally, if you pass away before you have received your annual Executive Physical, your estate will be reimbursed the pro-rated amount of the annual enrollment fee. No reimbursement will be given after you have received your annual Executive Physical.

Can we correspond by cell phone and text message during and after normal business hours?

Yes. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Outside those hours, you will have access to Dr. Mazzone’s personal cell phone number to correspond with him at any time. He finds texting can be a very efficient way to communicate, so he encourages patients to text him as needed.

If I become ill and require extensive medical services, will my annual enrollment fee increase?

Absolutely not. Dr. Mazzone will take care of your primary care needs during the entire time you are enrolled in the personalized care medical practice.

What if I have an emergency?

You can contact Dr. Mazzone via his private cell phone anytime you need to consult with him. But if you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

How do I sign up?

Please complete the Patient Agreement Form: icon_document Patient Agreement Form
and return it to P.O. Box 4524, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.