The doctors at Emerald Health do not manage chronic pain and they do not prescribe chronic pain medications. They do not have or keep any pain medication at the clinic. Opioid prescribing guidelines from the CDC to combat the prescription drug abuse epidemic are more stringent than in the past, and those patients who use narcotics for chronic pain are encouraged to seek a pain treatment center. Our doctors are not pain specialists and do not prescribe narcotics for the treatment of chronic pain. They can help wean patients off these medications if patients desire to do this. They similarly do not prescribe controlled sedatives for the treatment of chronic anxiety or insomnia.

We are not a fee-for-service same day Clinic. We work hard to meet our members needs as they arise but do not offer same-day or one-time visits for non-members. We believe in long-term Primary Care relationships.

We do not do pregnancy care, chronic pain management, DOT physicals or determinations for medical disability. We are not the admitting doctor when our patients need to be hospitalized.

Yes. We will still refer to specialty doctors when appropriate. Any outside specialty care is not included in the membership. You can submit any charges to your insurance as you normally would.

We don't have immunizations at the clinic because we have no way to save you money on them. Pharmacies are already so good at this and they are pretty much sold at cost.

A membership at Emerald Health is not insurance and we encourage our patients to maintain insurance coverage (including Medicare with supplements if applicable). Outside of our office, you will be able to use it as you normally would for specialist referrals, hospital admissions, imaging, and ER care. Our affordable memberships often allow patients to obtain lower-cost, catastrophic plans they can afford. They also allow people who aren't provided insurance from their employers and who can't afford insurance themselves the opportunity to get the primary care they need at incredible prices. We do not file or accept any insurance or government payments, but outside of our office, you will be able to your insurance as you usually do

Yes.

You will pay the same monthly fee as a non-Medicare patient. The monthly fee is not reimbursable to you by Medicare. We will ask you to sign a waiver stating that you will not submit our charges to Medicare for reimbursement.

Medicare and any supplemental insurance you have will still cover medical costs that you incur outside of Emerald Health DPC. There is NO difference in how outside clinics bill Medicare for their services to you.

If you have an Advantage HMO plan, please contact us to discuss.

No.

Emerald Health will take care of you just like everyone else.

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 the need is very rare. We are not available on the weekends for routine needs or matters that can wait until normal business hours. Our doctors are dedicated to your care and to a healthy, balanced physician-patient relationship.

Not exactly. We are primary care physicians. This means we can address most problems, most of the time. We are also a very low-cost medical clinic. We are growing something sustainable, enjoyable and transformative. 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. But if there are matters that can wait until the waking hours, please contact us in the morning.

Always, in an emergency or a situation that is likely to develop into an emergency, CALL 911 first. If you are not having an emergency but feel you need prompt medical care, please call Emerald Health.