Why charge a membership fee?
The membership fee allows us to provide the vast majority of a person’s primary care in an innovative way for a simple, fixed price. Much like Netflix or a gym membership, it allows members to better budget their healthcare finances; without worrying about extra costs, co-pays and deductibles for routine care.
Why would I pay ‘extra’ fees for health care?
We do not think of our services as “extra”; rather an independent, alternative and better way to do your primary care. Most of our members save money when combining WeCare Family Clinic membership with a high-deductible health insurance or medical cost sharing plan. (vs. standard low-deductible/”copay” insurance plans)
Do I have to be a member? Can I just have a visit without becoming a member?
No. To keep things simple and consistent for all of our patients, we do not provide visits or care outside of our standard membership system
Are there any contracts or commitments? What if I decide to cancel?
Memberships are ongoing and open but must be paid ongoing in order to maintain service with us. A minimum of the first month of membership and a registration fee is paid upfront and are non-refundable. If you decide to cancel and have a balance of prepaid membership fees remaining, a pro-rated refund will be given to you based upon date of cancellation
May I re-start my membership after canceling?
Yes, we do allow for re-enrollment after cancellation, but members will be charged a reenrollment fee of $200 per member before service can be restarted.
Is this like “concierge” medicine?
A little, but without the high price tag . . . or valet parking! We provide a concierge level of service to all members but try to make things affordable for people of all incomes, with or without insurance.
Does Dr. Joanna Pozdal accept members with existin…
Yes. Our memberships (eligibility or fees) are not based upon any existing medical issues or conditions
What if I am healthy? and rarely go to the doctor?
That is great! (HIGH FIVE) Our primary focus is to keep members well and avoiding lots of medical” care. As such, we can dedicate more time to prevention and lifestyle issues to continue to keep you away from the expensive, cumbersome health care system. However, when you do need care, we are available 24/7 to help get you back on track; and avoid trips to ER or urgent care
Are there any hidden fees?
Nope. We provide most care to members without any fees at all! If we do charge for non-covered services, we always list prices upfront. If we recommend outside services, we try very hard to find you an upfront, reasonable price if paying cash.
What about lab work and other testing?
All members have access to many basic lab and diagnostic testing (cholesterol, diabetes testing, strep, EKG, urine dipstick, etc.) for no charge at all. For non-covered labs, we offer significantly discount wholesale prices.
When do I pay my fees for medications, labs, etc.?
For any fees for non-covered services, we expect full payment at time of service for most services, including medications, labs, procedures, etc.
How much will my first visit cost?
We do not charge „per visit”. New members must pay a registration fee and a minimum of one month of membership fees upfront. If any non-covered services are required (labs, procedures, etc.) the first visit cost may be slightly more.
Are you a walk-in clinic? Do I need an appointment?
While we can always offer same or next-day to our members (even newbies), we do recommend scheduling all visits.
What if I need outside care? Specialists, diagnostic testing, ER, hospital?
We can order or refer just as any insurance-based doctor can do. For some outside services, we can help find reasonable „cash” prices if you are paying out-of-pocket – especially radiology and lab. We can provide many urgent care and minor emergency services during regular or after hours, that can help people avoid a trip to the ER. However, we do recommend having health insurance in the case of an unexpected, expensive event such as surgery, ER visit or hospitalization.
What type of visits can I do by phone or webcam?
We think of „virtual visits” as a supplement to good primary care – not a replacement for in person care. Generally, if the issue does NOT require a physical exam, a virtual visit is fine. Many chronic issues (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, etc.) can be largely managed by email and virtual visits. However, any issue requiring a physical exam (e.g. coughs, sinus infections, ear infection, new pain, etc.) we will recommend a traditional clinic visit.
What if I need care on the weekend?
If you have an urgent after‐hours concern that you believe cannot wait for routine business hours, we will be available by phone to assist you. While we will come in on the weekend for urgent needs, we find that need is very rare. We are not available for routine needs or matters that can wait until normal business hours on the weekends. Dr Joanna Pozdal is dedicated to your care and to a healthy, cultivated physician‐patient relationship.
So, no matter when I need you‐ you’re available?
No…not exactly. I am primary care physician. This means I can address most problems, most of the time. I am also a very low cost medical clinic. I am cultivating something sustainable, enjoyable and transformative. And it requires a partnership with our patients. In this age of instant responses and digital access, we are striving for sustainability. We ask our patients to utilize our services, in person or electronically, when they need us. We also ask that if matters can wait until waking hours that they do.
What if I’m having a medical emergency?
As is customary with any true medical emergency, CALL 911. If you are not having an emergency but feel you need prompt medical care, please call dr. Joanna Pozdal at 630.453.8819
Is WeCare health insurance?
Heck no!
Is WeCare a substitute for health insurance?
No. WeCare Family Clinic Ltd. is a wonderful way to receive high quality primary health care, but we do believe insurance is needed for unexpected and expensive events.
Can WeCare Family Clinic Ltd. bill my insurance pl…
No. We are cancelling contracts with any private or public insurance plans.
Do you accept Medicaid?
Medicaid recipients are welcome to join WeCare but will likely also be assigned a „network Primary Care Physician (PCP)” that may be required to access other health plan benefits and services
What about Medicare?
We can contract with Medicare patients to provide stellar primary care services. Our charges cannot be billed to Medicare by us or the patient and the beneficiary must sign a Private Contract prior to joining acknowledging this fact. As Medicare is an open network, patients may continue to use their Medicare benefit elsewhere with accepting providers as usual.
Can I use my insurance elsewhere if I join WeCare …
In most cases, yes. Your insurance plans will continue to operate “as usual” at other doctor’s office, hospitals and pharmacies. PPO-style plans do not require a designated “gatekeeper” doctor for referrals, medications, tests, etc. Dr. Joanna Pozdal can order or refer just as another doctor would do. HMO-style plans do require an in-network designated primary doctor for access to other services, so they do not pair as well with WeCare Family Clinic Ltd.
Can I submit visit claims to my health insurance plan for reimbursement?
For the time being, insurance companies do NOT recognize our membership fees as a reimbursable expense. For non-covered service fees (meds, labs, x-rays, etc.), we can provide a receipt of payment so you can process with your insurance plan if you wish. However, most of our members have not found it not worth the time and effort to do so.