Dear Patient…
Why concierge medicine?
I started Advanced Gynecology with the motto “small practice…exceptional care.” Ten years later, that goal sounds out of step with the broader healthcare world.
Mergers with big health systems have eliminated most Chicago independent physician practices. Employed physicians are required to see more patients in less time. To keep schedules moving, nurse practitioners and physician assistants absorb the overflow. The resulting care is fragmented, and often lower in quality. Patients are frustrated.
Amid these trends, my greatest joy is the independence of my practice. It allows me to provide you personalized, high-quality care. I believe this style of medicine is the best way to keep you well.
So-called “small things”—like appointments long enough to answer your questions; or seeing an actual M.D. instead of an ancillary provider; or visits conducted with no computer in sight, so the doctor is focused entirely on you—may be deemed non-covered or not medically necessary by health insurance.
In most doctors’ offices, what is not covered by insurance may just get skipped.
For that reason, we have a required practice membership fee. This allows me to offer you better care, including:
Unhurried appointments with time enough to plan your care—and for individualized, preventative-health counseling.
Fewer appointment delays. Your time is valuable. Barring emergencies, we keep your wait to the absolute minimum.
Same day or next-day appointments for urgent problems, in person or over video.
Greater access to me: email or secure messaging. That does not change if I happen to be out of town.
Ability to book routine appointments online, 24/7.
Prescription renewals within one business day
Of course, we always provide direct follow-up on your labs and imaging results, recognizing that no one likes a confusing result to just land in their in-box. We always call—so your questions get answered. In addition, we coordinate your gynecologic and overall care. To help you navigate an often impersonal healthcare system, I am a strong advocate for your interests with specialists.
I hope you see our partnership as a smart investment in your health. It is a privilege to care for you, and I look forward to doing so for many years to come.
Regards,
Sogol Jahedi, M.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
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$35 per month or $420 per year.
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A membership-based practice lets me provide you services not reimbursed by most healthcare plans. For example, discussion at annual exams of issues typically handled by an internist; or the phone calls between visits to treat minor concerns; or my follow-up with your radiologist on an abnormal mammogram. The fee also allows our office to have ample availability when you need to be seen quickly. This high level of service, accessibility, and convenience is not reimbursed by insurance or by the fees changed for normal doctor visits.
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That is a reasonable choice. The way I practice medicine involves certain care that insurance does not reimburse. It’s how I would treat my own family. I can’t, in good conscience, offer “two tiers” of medicine—one with and one without that care. Of course, I won’t question your decision to seek an alternative provider.
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Membership is on a 12-month basis and starts upon our receipt of your payment and signup form. We will accept a limited number of patients, so membership is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once filled, we don’t know when additional memberships will become available.
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Your fee covers your membership in the practice and isn’t linked to any one service. Prospective new patients may want to delay sign-up, but be aware that I can’t guarantee we will be accepting patients in the future. To provide personal care, we must cap the practice size when appropriate. Patients who come for a medical problem prior to their annual will need to sign up at that time.
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Auto-payment, annually or monthly, by stored credit or debit card. Annual payers have the additional options of Zelle or check.
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No. To ensure that I can always offer you more time and better communication, I am forced to cap the total number of patients. Membership is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the practice is filled, I will maintain a waiting list but cannot guarantee when additional memberships will be available.
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Yes. Providing family care is fundamental to us! I will hold the practice at a size that anticipates such important additions.
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No. Your fee covers your membership in the practice and isn’t linked to any one service. I strongly encourage annual wellness exams for your best health. Many insurers cover such visits with no copay or deductible.
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I recommend it, but while some of our patients see a family practitioner, others don’t. To give you the best care, I will always review a wide range of preventative-health measures at your annual exams.
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Yes. The membership fee does not replace health insurance. My office will continue to submit claims for covered medical benefits to your insurance.
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Please see New Patients for contracted plans. We no longer accept HMO plans.
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Please consult your tax advisor or your HSA/FSA for this determination. However, the fee is due in full, on time, regardless of how it is funded.
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Yes. We will issue a prorated refund upon written notice of your decision. Note: Patients who leave Advanced Gynecology for reasons other than pregnancy may not necessarily be allowed to rejoin.
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If your health insurance plan covers this service, we will submit a claim for reimbursement. Most plans, though, prohibit billing for calls related to very recent or upcoming visits.
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I have never charged for these discussions, though they take significant time. Remember: Email is convenient but not private. For sensitive subjects, call. Or use our portal for secure messaging. In emergencies, always call. We are available 24/7, 365 through our answering service.