Frequently Asked Questions

It is better! I limit the size of my practice so I can devote more time to each patient’s care and individual needs. This means that appointments will start promptly and I can spend more time with you. If a problem requires extra time for evaluation, I will accommodate you to the best of my abilities. I will offer enhanced access to me through a patient-dedicated cell phone and email. As always, my staff and I will continue to assist you in scheduling testing outside our office and, as your health advocate, I will continue to assist you in coordinating care with hospitals and specialists. My belief is that more time and better access to me will result in better medical care.

I am on staff at Rush University Medical Center. If you should need to be hospitalized I will function as the admitting physician and will have primary medical responsibility for your hospital care and continue to advocate on your behalf. You will not be cared for by a hospitalist.

My goal is to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via cell phone and email. There will be infrequent occasions when I am out of town or otherwise unavailable. In these situations, a respected colleague will serve as my covering physician.

Yes. My new medical practice will not take the place of general health insurance coverage. My practice is a primary care medical practice, not a health insurance program. You are advised to continue your participation in your PPO, Medicare or any other insurance programs.

I have elected not to participate as an in-network provider for any commercial health insurance plans. As an out-of-network provider, we will no longer collect a co-pay. As a courtesy, we will submit my office and hospital visit charges directly to your insurance carrier. These charges, with the exception of your Annual Comprehensive Wellness Evaluation, are not included in your annual fee.

Yes. My status with Medicare will be un-changed. I will continue to bill Medicare and your supplemental insurer on your 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. I will bill Medicare for your sick visits and for any additional services performed that ARE covered by Medicare.

It is unlikely that this service will be reimbursable. However, it might be possible to utilize funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) toward the annual fee. You are advised to consult your human resources representative, your FSA or HSA plan manager, or your tax advisor.

Your annual fee covers membership in Scott Palmer, MD, LLC for your annual Comprehensive Wellness Evaluation, and many other amenities listed on the “Highlights & Details” page. All other procedures and services not performed in my office will be billed by the performing entity.

Yes. Should you choose, we are happy to perform your well-woman services as part of your Comprehensive Wellness Evaluation.

If you have a life threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. I will assist in the coordination of your emergency care thereafter. I ask that you contact me before going to any urgent care facility and at any time of the day or night. I will attempt to address urgent after-hours problems directly.

Call 911 if you have a life-threatening emergency. Call me 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, it may be possible for me to find you a resource where you are for care. If you seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center out of our area, I request that you have the doctor seeing you call me for coordination. If you should require hospitalization while away, I will, at your request, attempt to establish daily phone communication with you and your attending physician(s) to ensure continuity of care. Don’t forget to bring your electronic medical information with you whenever you travel!

As always, my patients are free to see any specialist they wish. I am available to help you decide which specialists to see and to coordinate such consultations. In this way the most appropriate resource is used, the earliest arrangements are made, and your applicable medical information is sent in advance of your specialist visit.