FAQs

What are the benefits of a direct medical care/membership based practice?

This style of medicine focuses on you, the patient. We will partner with you directly to achieve your health care goals not only when you are sick, but also to focus on your general health and well-being. Without typical time constraints of a standard doctor’s visit, Dr Pai-Verma can customize an individual health care plan designed to meet your needs and Coordinate care with consultants .Once you pay the membership fee, there are no hidden costs . The visits are unlimited and you can cancel your membership at anytime ( we do require a 3-month minimum for the membership ). Ideal health members also enjoy discounts on several products and services: a one-time nutrition consult, sunscreen / skin care products, vitamins, and weight loss diets all which can add up to $500 a year if you use them. Additionally, ideal Health members can get labs at a discounted rate. This can save you hundreds of dollars a year if you have a high deductible plan and choose to pay for labs instead of going through your insurance.

How is a Direct Primary Care Practice different from a standard medical practice?

Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a new way of providing primary care that’s already helped a quarter million people stay healthier and spend less on healthcare. Patients at DPC practices often receive ongoing primary care from their doctor with zero copays, convenient online scheduling options and blood tests, and even their doctor’s personal cell number. It’s like having a doctor in the family. So how is this possible? Easy: direct primary care practices cut out middlemen like insurance companies, freeing themselves to provide great care at fair prices. Unlike traditional third party practices that serve the needs of insurance companies, direct primary care is for everybody; most DPC memberships cost less than your monthly cell phone or cable bill, for great care whenever you need it. If you’re tired of high copays, insane wait times, rushed 8-minute doctor visits, join 250,000 other Americans that have already benefited from direct primary care. At Ideal health Chicago we put the major focus on the patient-physician relationship. Because there are no insurance or hospital regulatory requirement, and the number of patients are limited, physicians are free to provide care in the way that best suits the individual patient. This includes longer appointments with more direct time with me, No crowded waiting rooms ,improved communication using digital media and text, e-visits allowing you to access your doctor and the practice even when you cannot make it into the office, and a focus beyond just management of acute medical problems. At ideal Health, our focus is on the patient as whole, including their physical and emotional health and well-being.

Does ideal Health take insurance?

Ideal Health does not participate in private or government based insurance plans. Your annual membership covers the cost of your annual physical as well as any necessary follow up or acute care visits. If you elect to proceed with a membership model, you may wish to consider this in choosing a health care plan. Because your general care expenses are covered by your membership, this may allow you to consider a higher deductible plan at lower cost to you. Upon your request we can generate a billing receipt that you can submit to your insurance however we do not bill your insurance.

What Costs may I incur outside of my membership fee?

You or your insurance will be responsible for fees, co-pays or deductibles incurred for any diagnostics testing, labs, consults with specialists, emergency room or hospital care or any care that is provided outside of ideal Health.

Is my membership cost eligible for a flexible spending account?

In many cases Yes! Rules regarding the use of health care spending accounts are constantly changing but recent guidance indicates that direct primary care is an eligible expense. Please check with your health plan or plan administrator for specific details. Ideal health can provide an invoice to reimburse medical services.

If I become a member of Ideal Health will I still need Health insurance?

Yes, you will still need health insurance to pay for things like specialty care, emergency care, hospitalizations, medications, or allied health care services (such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, lab work).

Is there a limit to the number of patients who can join Ideal Health?

Yes. Ideal Health is limited to only a few hundred patients to allow an individualized approach to health care with direct access to your physician. Limiting the number of patients in the practice allows me to spend more time with you during your visit, and to provide responsiveness to your needs and your health care.

What is your Philosophy of treatment at Ideal Health ?

At Ideal health we believe in evidence based medicine and guidelines put forth by the recommendations of the united states preventive services task force( USPSTF).However Dr Pai-Verma also pay close attention to diet , exercise and lifestyle modifications and integrative approaches toward health care.For example, if a couple is struggling with infertility , Dr Pai-Verma would conduct the recommended lab work and refer them to the best fertility doctors in Chicago; she may also recommend acupuncture as a complementary service.If a patient has high blood pressure she would put the patient on the appropriate medication and also look for secondary causes and treatments if applicable (weight management , lifestyle modifications, stress reduction ,etc).We respect your time and work with you to get the best possible results.

Why would I choose the membership when I can see the doctor for a one time visit?

The membership will provide you with direct access to the doctor ,flexible and extended appointment times , help with making appointments and unlimited visits in the year. However,the one-time fee will be essentially a single consultation. We do not offer after – hours calling service for non-members(members have the doctors cell hone and email ) and follow up visits will be charged as separate visits .

What if I need hospitalization, will you care for me there?

If you need to be hospitalized, you can select a hospital facility of your choice. Dr. Pai-Verma will communicate your health history to your inpatient physicians and specialists, provide advice on health care decisions and coordinate follow up care after you leave the hospital.

At which hospitals do you have privileges?

At this time, Dr. Pai-Verma has medical privileges at Rush University Medical Center.

What happens when the doctor goes on vacation?

When Dr. Pai Verma is away, there will be another qualified medical provider covering. They will always be able to reach her if needed. In addition, Dr. Pai-Verma will almost always be available via cell phone, text or email.

What if the membership route is not for me?

You can be seen for a one time consultation at available appointment times. You will have to pick a separate primary care physician for ongoing issues, sick visits, follow up visits or after hour communication. Please contact us for current availability.

Do you do gift memberships ?

Of course! If there is a family member or friend that you think would benefit from a one time consult or a membership( either for a year or for a few months ) you can call us to cover that visit for them. We have patients who have part( or all )of their membership paid for by their children and friends.