Frequently Asked Questions
A concierge medical practice is a clinic that offers highly personalized medical care to patients. Generally, each concierge medical practice cares for 200 patients (compared to 3,000 in larger clinics). This allows the physicians and the supporting medical team to provide patients with personalized attention, higher availability, and hands-on managed care. One of the biggest differentiators of a concierge medical practice is the deep relationship that exists between the entire medical team and each patient.
Peninsula Doctor is a primary care concierge medical practice located in Menlo Park, California. At the heart of our practice is the belief in personalized care for each of our patients. Our goal is to be there for our patients whenever they need us. We want to know our patients and their families, as well as their health goals. In short, we strive to be an extension of each patient’s family.
A concierge doctor is a physician who knows his or her patients extremely well, from their health history and goals to their personal lives and preferences. Concierge doctors strive to provide the most personalized medical care possible.
Each concierge medical practice has its own approach and philosophy for concierge medicine. When a patient is just getting to know us, he or she will meet with the physician to see if it’s a good fit. This means making sure the doctor’s approach to medicine is right for the patient and making sure the practice can meet the patient’s expectations. Following the first visit, if the patient decides to join the practice, the doctor and patient will work together to create a care plan. At Peninsula Doctor, this plan involves an annual exam, proactive care, in-home/office visit, lab work, vaccines, and medical kits. We put a strong focus on proactive care and wellness, and we encourage our patients to work with our nutritionists and fitness professionals to be as proactive as possible about their health.
Concierge medicine is the fastest-growing sector of primary care. Most physicians join concierge medical practices in order to provide more personalized hands-on care to their patients. Dr. Kroes decided to become a concierge physician to serve a community of people he really knows and cares about. His goal is to get to know families and to hear real stories that deserve to be heard. His mission is to serve his patients the way they want and deserve to be served: with flexible hours, personalized care, attention to detail, and a doctor who sees them as more than a number.
Some concierge medical practices accept Medicare. Peninsula Doctor is an independent medical practice and we do not accept Medicare.
Currently, insurance companies do not cover membership costs of concierge medical practice services.
Yes. While Peninsula Doctor provides the highest quality health services for primary care, we do not cover hospitalizations, specialty services, labs, or complex exams. Therefore, it’s vital that you still carry insurance to cover these and other potential costs.
Prices for concierge medical practices vary greatly throughout the United States. Prices tend to range between $2,000 to $40,000 per year, per patient. Most concierge medical practices charge yearly retainer fees. In some cases, they bill for each visit on top of these membership fees. At Peninsula Doctor, we only charge membership fees. There are no additional fees for services rendered. Please call Peninsula Doctor to inquire about our membership rates.
The primary benefit of having a concierge doctor is having a physician that is fully committed and dedicated to you and your specific care needs. Think of a concierge doctor as a part of your family. Other benefits include flexible hours, a truly proactive health and wellness plan, and predictable and stable healthcare costs.
A concierge doctor is a great fit for you if you have a very busy lifestyle, if you have unique health needs, if you wish to have a more personalized “family doctor” experience, or if you wish to be very proactive about your health and wellness. At Peninsula Doctor, we cater to our patients’ requests on the short notice and offer each person as much attention as they need to feel heard, receive treatment and diagnosis, and ask all their questions. We are also there to be an advocate and coordinator of all our patients’ care needs.
Peninsula Doctor takes care of the entire family: adults and children. You can enroll your whole family or just one family member, depending on your personal needs.
No. As a member of Peninsula Doctor, you’ll receive comprehensive services that are fully covered by your membership fees. Keep in mind, though, that ER trips, hospitalization, and/or specialists are not covered by Peninsula Doctor membership fees.
No. The annual fee may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, and you may use a major credit card, ACH and check.
Yes. If you require attention while at home, on vacation, or at your office ( assuming it is within a reasonable distance from our Menlo Park office), Peninsula Doctor will be able to treat you.
We have partnered with some of the best local specialists in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Francisco and the Bay Area in general, as well as an international network of physicians who will be able to treat you regardless of where you are.
For patients who itemize medical expenses on their tax returns, the annual retainer-based medicine fee may be tax-deductible. You should consult with your tax advisor about your medical fee tax deductions.
Please call 911 immediately. Give us a call after paramedics have been notified so we can monitor your condition and work with the local emergency clinic to oversee your care.
Each concierge practice has a different approach and its own mission statement. Most physicians that we know in the community offer amazing services, each bringing their own medical philosophy. We highly encourage patients to take the time and meet a few physicians in the community to find the right doctor for their unique needs and preferences.
The best care starts with hello.
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