You may be wondering how this practice works
and how it can benefit you. Our practice is different in many ways, and when you join Living Well Medical Associates, you will have access to a broad range of services and personalized care. This page gives information on just what those services are.
Services Included as Part of Annual Fee:
Comprehensive annual preventive medical examination*
This extended wellness exam, not in connection with any illness or injury, will include an extensive array of screening tests and examinations. The exam generally will include a detailed physical examination, EKG and spirometry. Additionally, I will review your medical history and risk factors using health questionnaire and direct interview tools.
A comprehensive lab panel including urinalysis, complete blood count, lipid panel, liver profile, kidney profile, blood sugar, electrolytes, HbA1c, thyroid assessment and PSA (for men over 50) will be included in the exam. Also, we will conduct a fitness test to measure cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, strength and body fat. All of this testing can be done in the office and will be included as part of your annual fee. When all test results are back, we will work together to create a Personal Wellness Plan that is tailored specifically to your needs. Copies of all findings will be supplied to you. through North Shore Connect.
I hope that by offering an annual comprehensive wellness exam as part of your annual fee, it will encourage you to proactively safeguard your health on a regular basis. This exam enhances the physician-patient relationship and creates a solid foundation for future care.
SAME-DAY OR NEXT BUSINESS DAY APPOINTMENTS
With the exception of your annual exam, this feature is available even for non-urgent medical problems.
24/7 ACCESS
As a member of LWMA, you will have Dr. Belsky's cell phone number and e-mail in order to get in touch with her. This allows easy access to me for urgent medical problems that occur outside of my regular office hours. Ideally, I want to hear from you when you are ill or injured before you go to the hospital or an urgent care center, but as always, immediately after you have called 911. For non urgent issues, you can e-mail LWMA and you will receive a prompt (usually within 48 hours) response. Because email is not secure, please use discretion when choosing topics to discuss with me via this medium.
PERSONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION ACCESSIBLE THROUGH NORTH SHORE CONNECT
Because I use EPIC electronic medical records, If you elect to do so, you will have access to your information on line through North Shore Connect, This will allow you to have all important information at your fingertips when you are traveling or whenever you may need it.
STRONG FOCUS ON PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND LONG-TERM HEALTH AND WELLNESS
My philosophy is to educate you about your personal medical needs and risks. I use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess your level of fitness and determine an appropriate individual plan for you. This empowers you to take an active role in managing and maintaining good health.
LITTLE OR NO OFFICE WAITING TIME, AND LONGER APPOINTMENTS WHEN NEEDED
Annual exam appointments are scheduled for 60 minutes and all other appointments for 30 minutes, allowing adequate time to answer all of your questions and address all of your needs.
DIRECT PHONE ACCESS TO DR. BELSKY OR NURSE BANTING DURING OFFICE HOURS
All phone calls will be returned promptly. However, if your problem is urgent, I will make every effort to speak with you at the time of your call.
SHARED COVERAGE WITH a small newtork of Local Concierge physicians
During the infrequent times that I am unavailable, There will be a concierge physician covering for my patients.
END-OF-LIFE COUNSELING VISITS WITH PATIENT AND FAMILY
I believe the conversation about personal wishes should begin well before a person needs end-of-life choices. We will discuss viable options, legal choices, personal issues and offer appropriate documentation for your wishes.
Excellent Care
Dr. Belsky and her staff will create an atmosphere of collaboration and respect, allowing you to get the most out of your medical care.
Insurance Information
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE PATIENTS
I have elected not to participate as an in-network provider for any commercial health insurance plans. As an out-of-network provider, as a courtesy; we will submit your office visit charges directly to your insurance company. After insurance has been billed you will be responsible for the remaining balance. Office visit charges, with the exception of your annual physical and wellness exam, are not included in your LWMA annual fee.
As medically indicated, I will make it a priority to refer you to “in-network” physicians for any necessary consultations and to “in-network” facilities for diagnostic tests and hospitalizations. The referred services will be billed by them, and likely will be covered according to “in-network” fees. This should not be affected by my change of insurance status.
TRADITIONAL MEDICARE PATIENTS
With the exception of the annual fee, everything will remain the same. I will continue to be a Participating Provider in the Medicare program. We will continue to bill Medicare on your behalf for Medicare-covered services. The annual fee only includes services that are not covered by Medicare and will not be billed to, paid for or reimbursed by Medicare.
MEDICARE PATIENTS
Per Medicare regulation, there is a deductible that must be payed annually, this deductible goes to whichever physician you see first in that year. I am required to collect this deductible if I am the first physician you see in a given year.annual exam cannot be included in the annual fee for patients who are new to Medicare during a given year.
Annual Fee
The Annual Fee is a flat-rate that can be paid annually or semi-annually. Please contact us if you want more information about the fee, what's included in it, or any have other questions.
*The LWMA annual fee covers only those items that can be performed in the office as described above. Depending on your particular health situation, appropriate additional tests may be recommended. You or your insurer will be responsible for payment for those tests.