What is the mission of your practice?

Our goal is to provide the highest-quality medical care with an emphasis on patient safety and comfort, and a proactive, comprehensive approach to both disease prevention and wellness. We strive to provide excellence in care that is both compassionate and truly patient-focused. From the moment you call our office, we want you to be completely satisfied with every aspect of your care.

How is the practice different from a traditional medical practice?

In order to devote more time to each patient’s care and individual needs, we have intentionally limited the size of our practice. We also offer certain non-covered amenities and benefits designed to personalize and enhance the health care experience. In-office appointments will start promptly, with little or no waiting time; virtual visits via telemedicine are offered as an option upon patient request, when appropriate and permitted by applicable law.

This practice model also enables our providers to schedule longer patient appointments (30 minutes for routine appointments and 60-90 minutes for the Comprehensive Annual Health Assessment). If an issue requires extra time for evaluation or discussion, your provider will accommodate you to the best of their ability. Also, after hours for urgent issues, you will be provided with a direct phone number to contact your provider, making it easier than ever to communicate.

What services are provided as a part of my annual fee?

Please see the Highlights & Details document for a complete list of amenities and benefits provided to our personalized care patients. Your annual fee pays for those non-clinical, non-covered services. Professional services that are covered by Medicare or a commercial insurance plan will be billed separately, and you will continue to be responsible for any applicable co-pays or deductibles relating to those services.

How will you support my care if I am hospitalized?

Local hospitals utilize hospitalists to manage inpatient care. Dr. Knepper is affiliated with Intermountain Medical Center and Alta View Hospital. Should you need to be hospitalized, your provider will communicate with the hospitalists and specialists involved in your care when possible. If you are at another hospital, your provider will do their best to be available to communicate with you and serve as an advocate on your behalf.

Who will cover for my provider when they are not available?

Our goal is to ensure that members have a way to reach a provider for urgent issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When your provider is out of town or otherwise unavailable, another member of our care team or a trusted colleague will provide coverage.

Do I still need health insurance if I enroll with your practice?

Yes. Your annual fee only pays for the non-clinical, non-covered amenities and benefits that are described in the Highlights & Details document. Neither the fee nor the amenities take the place of general health insurance coverage. You are advised to continue your Medicare or other health insurance program coverage.

Does your practice accept Medicare or my insurance plan?

Our office will file your claims with Medicare as well as with your supplemental insurer on your behalf, as required by law. Office visit fees that are not reimbursed by insurance will be the responsibility of the patient.

Our practice intends to remain in-network with many major PPO insurance plans and will bill your insurance directly for professional services that are covered by those plans. (Professional services are not covered by your annual fee.) Please confirm your provider’s participation in your specific plan with our office before scheduling. If the terms of your insurance plan require a co-pay, we are obligated to request payment at the time of service.

Even if your provider is not in-network with your insurance plan, we will attempt to refer you to in-network physicians for any necessary consultations and to in-network facilities for diagnostic tests and hospitalizations as medically indicated. Coverage for those services is determined by your insurance plan.

Will my private insurance or Medicare reimburse my annual fee?

No. The annual fee is not covered by private insurance or by Medicare.

Is the annual fee tax deductible or reimbursable through my HSA or FSA?

In some instances, the annual fee, or part of the fee, may be payable through your HSA. You are advised to consult with your HSA or FSA plan administrator, employer, HR representative or tax adviser to clarify qualification in your particular circumstance.

What about labs, X-rays, specialists’ fees and hospitalization?

All medical procedures and services, whether performed in our office or by other providers or health care facilities, will be billed by the performing provider and/or entity.

What if I have an emergency?

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. You can then call your provider or ask the hospital personnel to contact your provider so they may assist in your care. If you have a non-urgent problem, feel free to contact your provider first.

What should I do if I become ill while traveling or away on an extended vacation?

If the problem is minor, call your provider first. However, if you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately – then you can call your provider. With the exception of controlled substances, your provider will seek to accommodate your prescription requests if state/local law allows. If you seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center outside our area, you should feel free to ask the clinician seeing you to call your provider for coordination of your care.

If you should require hospitalization while away, at your request, your provider will attempt to establish regular phone communication with you and your attending physician(s) to support continuity of care.

What if I need to see a specialist or a surgeon?

Should you request, your provider is available to help you decide which specialist to see and to coordinate such consultations. Our team will help identify an appropriate specialist, arrange appointments as promptly as possible, and send your applicable medical information in advance of your specialist visit.