How the practice works

Dr. Palmer limits the size of his practice so he can devote more time to each patient's care and individual needs. Appointments start promptly and he can spend more time with each patient. If a problem requires extra evaluation, he accommodates it to the best of his abilities. Patients can reach him through a dedicated cell phone and email. He and his staff continue to assist with scheduling testing outside the office and, as a health advocate, he coordinates care with hospitals and specialists. More time and easier communication result in better medical care.

Dr. Palmer is on staff at Rush University Medical Center. Should a patient need to be hospitalized, he functions as the admitting physician, holds primary medical responsibility for that hospital care, and continues to advocate on the patient's behalf. Patients are not cared for by a hospitalist.

Dr. Palmer's goal is to be reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by cell phone and email. On the infrequent occasions when he is out of town or otherwise unavailable, a respected colleague serves as his covering physician.

Dr. Palmer has elected not to participate as an in-network provider for any commercial health insurance plans. As an out-of-network provider, the practice no longer collects a co-pay. As a courtesy, the office submits his office and hospital visit charges directly to the patient's insurance carrier. These charges, with the exception of the Annual Comprehensive Wellness Evaluation, are not included in the annual fee.

Yes. His status with Medicare is unchanged. He continues to bill Medicare and the patient's supplemental insurer on their behalf, as required by law.

No. The annual fee only includes services that are not covered by Medicare or any other payer and, as such, cannot be paid for or reimbursed by Medicare. Dr. Palmer does bill Medicare for sick visits and for any additional covered services performed.

No. The annual fee only includes services that are not covered by Medicare or any other payer and, as such, cannot be paid for or reimbursed by Medicare. Dr. Palmer does bill Medicare for sick visits and for any additional covered services performed.

The annual fee covers membership in Scott Palmer, MD, LLC for the annual Comprehensive Wellness Evaluation and the other amenities listed on the Services & Benefits page. All other procedures and services not performed in Dr. Palmer's office are billed by the performing entity.

Patients are free to see any specialist they wish. Dr. Palmer helps decide which specialists to see and coordinates those consultations. Because of long relationships at Rush, he can often arrange a priority referral: the most appropriate resource is used, the earliest arrangements are made, and the applicable medical information is sent in advance of the visit.

Patients should call 911 in a life-threatening emergency, and call Dr. Palmer first if the problem is minor. With the exception of a few controlled substances, most prescriptions can be ordered anywhere in the country. If necessary, he may be able to find a resource where the patient is. If a patient seeks care at an emergency room or urgent care center outside the area, he requests that the treating doctor call him for coordination. If hospitalization is required while away, Dr. Palmer will, at the patient's request, attempt to establish daily phone communication with the patient and the attending physicians to ensure continuity of care. Patients should remember to bring their electronic medical information with them whenever they travel.