Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Just how does this all work?
Q. Is this a new way of practicing medicine?
Q. I already have good insurance. Why would I pay extra to join this practice?
Q. Is this a type of insurance plan?
Q. Do I still need medical insurance if I join?
Q. How much does it cost?
Q. What does the professional fee cover?
Q. Will I be billed for any additional services?
Q. If I sign up for one doctor, can I still see the other if the need arises?
Q. What if I have an emergency after office hours?
Q. What if I need to see a specialist?
Q. What if I need to be hospitalized?
Q. I’m covered by Medicare. Can I still join the practice?
Q. I’m covered by an HMO. Can I still join the practice?
Q. I’m in a PPO. Can I still join the practice?
Q. How do I submit to my insurance provider for possible reimbursement?
Q. If I receive any reimbursement from my insurance company, who does it belong to?
Q. I have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Medical Expense Flexible Savings Account (Medical FSA) through my employer. Can I access it for any reimbursements?
Q. Can I use HSA money to cover the annual professional fee?
Q. I have a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Can I access it for reimbursements?
Q. I am deaf. How will Mid Maryland Internal Medicine support my communication needs?
Q. What happens if I move away or have to leave the practice? Can I get a refund?
Q. How do I join?
Q. I still have questions. How can I get in touch with you regarding this practice?
Q. Just how does this all work?
Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine is a small, independent, internal medicine practice that is characterized by a direct, financial relationship between the physician and the patient and takes health insurance out of the equation. In exchange for the annual membership fee, we provide internal medicine services, labs, annual physicals and more at no additional charge. This helps restore the doctor-patient relationship of the past, unencumbered by insurance company policies and provider-network constraints. We do not participate with any insurance plans, including Medicare.
Q. Is this a new way of practicing medicine?
We prefer to think of it as the old way practicing medicine. In conventional, modern healthcare, the type of care doctors are able to provide is defined by rules made by insurance carriers and Medicare. By removing health-coverage restrictions from the doctor-patient relationship, we can spend more time with our patients, build a better relationship and provide more comprehensive care. Thousands of physicians in the US have moved to this type of practice, and by all accounts, the number is growing rapidly. Read more about membership practices generally.
Q. I already have good insurance. Why would I pay extra to join this practice?
Even people with excellent medical coverage often find they do not have convenient access to the medical care they need. Often time is spent trying to reach their doctor, or waiting for an urgent appointment. Time is lost in waiting rooms and scheduling changes. When your appointment time finally arrives you may feel rushed through your visit due to your doctor’s backlogged schedule. If you are hospitalized, your doctor may not be available to coordinate your care.
At Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine we offer 24/7 access to your doctor. Urgent or routine visits are scheduled within a day. All appointments are at least 30 minutes, with annual Comprehensive Exams lasting over an hour. Doctors can be reached by cell phone and non-urgent questions can be addressed over email. You do not need to make an office visit just to talk with your doctor.
Q. Is this a type of insurance plan?
No, this is simply a medical practice model that allows you to see your doctor without the restrictions or complications often associated with insurance companies.
Q. Do I still need medical insurance if I join?
Absolutely. We are not an insurer and our practice is not meant to replace your health insurance. We simply allow you to have access to quality medical care without the complications associated with traditional insurance. Your insurance can still help you cover costs of things like specialist visits, hospitalizations, labs, x-rays and other fees that typically arise outside of our office and to help cover the cost of medical services provided by our practice that are not included in the annual membership fee (where permitted). Depending on your insurance, you may even be entitled to reimbursement for the value of services we provide that are included in your membership. Check with your insurer for details.
Q. How much does it cost?
Please call our office for current fee information.
Q. What does the professional fee cover?
The professional fee covers essentially all of the services that you would normally incur at your primary doctor’s office, which we provide to our members at no additional charge. This includes:
- Comprehensive annual exam and wellness review
- Pre-op exams
- Up to 10 office visits with a physician (routine visits with nurses, e.g. for flu vaccines or regular B12 shots, are not counted as office visits).
- Annual panel of lab work, including a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel and urinalysis
- Other routine lab tests, such as urinalysis and rapid streps during office vists, as needed.
- Routine office procedures, such as EKGs, simple dermatologic procedures, B12 or joint injections and flu vaccines
- Most important, 24/7 access to a doctor who knows you
Q. Will I be billed for any additional services?
The membership fee covers all services we provide. There are no additional charges, except if you need more than ten office visits with a physician in a year. In that case, there is a $50.00 per visit charge.
Q. If I sign up for one doctor, can I still see the other if the need arises?
Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson work together and share a very similar dedication to their patients. In the event that a patient’s private doctor is not available, the other will assist. Where appropriate, Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson will consult with each other regarding a patient’s care.
Q. What if I have an emergency after office hours?
Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson are each available to their private patients by cell phone after hours. Each will provide coverage to the other’s patients during vacations.
Q. What if I need to see a specialist?
When necessary, your doctor will personally coordinate your referral to the appropriate specialist best able to address your medical condition. Your personal doctor will also monitor your progress while under a specialist’s care.
Q. What if I need to be hospitalized?
Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson have staff privileges at Frederick Health Hospital. Both can assist with coordination of care during a patient’s hospitalization at Frederick Health Hospital. In the event a patient is admitted to an outside hospital your doctor will be available to facilitate communication between specialists and discharge planning.
Q. I’m covered by Medicare. Can I still join the practice?
You can join the practice, but Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson have opted out of Medicare, so Medicare will not cover any portion of our fees for membership or additional services (and Medicare requires our patients to sign a document acknowledging that they agree to a private relationship with Mid Maryland Internal Medicine). Your Medicare coverage with all other doctors, hospitals and facilities remains intact and is not affected by this waiver.
Q. I’m covered by an HMO. Can I still join the practice?
Yes. However, if you belong to an HMO, a doctor in that HMO’s network must act as your Primary Care Provider (PCP) for required approvals and referrals. You may still join as long as you understand that for the purposes of your HMO, Drs. Henderson or Afrookteh cannot act as your PCP, nor will they cover the cost of the professional fee. Further, invoices cannot be submitted to your HMO for reimbursement.
Q. I’m in a PPO. Can I still join the practice?
Yes. While you will be responsible for the annual professional fee, you may be able to submit bills to your insurance company for reimbursement. Since Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson are not affiliated with any insurance companies, any reimbursement you receive is yours to keep. For insurance purposes Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson are considered “out of network” physicians. Reimbursement levels are determined by your particular policy and may be subject to an annual deductible.
Q. How do I submit to my insurance provider for possible reimbursement?
At each appointment, you will be given an itemized invoice for all services rendered which represents the reasonable value of the services provided. If your insurance company permits it, you can then submit a claim to your insurance company for possible reimbursement after you have met any out-of-network deductible.
Q. If I receive any reimbursement from my insurance company for services you provide, who does it belong to?
Any reimbursement received from your insurance company for services we render belongs to you.
Q. I have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Medical Expense Flexible Savings Account (Medical FSA) through my employer. Can I access it for any reimbursements?
Possibly yes, but check with your plan administrator. Further, you may receive some reimbursement for services received that are not covered by your insurance plan.
Q. Can I use HSA money to cover the annual professional fee?
Possibly yes, but check with your accountant first. Further, you may receive some reimbursement for services received that are not covered by your insurance plan.
Q. I have a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Can I access it for reimbursements?
Possibly yes, but check with your plan administrator. You may receive some reimbursement for services received that are not covered by your insurance plan.
Q. I am deaf. How will Mid Maryland Internal Medicine support my communication needs?
In accordance with the ADA, every patient has the right to effective communication. For hearing impaired/deaf patients we will accommodate those needs based on an individuals’ preference, with either written communication, or video assisted relay.
Q. What happens if I move away or have to leave the practice? Can I get a refund?
Yes. If you need to leave the practice for any reason, you will be reimbursed on a pro-rated basis based on whole months remaining in the contract year. If you have already received your Annual Physical Examination for the year, then $400 will be deducted from any pro-rated refund owed to you.
Q. How do I join?
Just contact us to obtain enrollment forms, fill them out and mail them back. If you have additional questions, give us a call to schedule an introductory visit.
Q. I still have questions. How can I get in touch with my doctor regarding this new practice?
Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson are happy to discuss this practice. If you have questions, contact us to talk to a physician or schedule a visit.
Q. I already have good insurance. Why would I pay extra to join this practice?
Even people with excellent medical coverage often find they do not have convenient access to the medical care they need. Often time is spent trying to reach their doctor, or waiting for an urgent appointment. Time is lost in waiting rooms and scheduling changes. When your appointment time finally arrives you may feel rushed through your visit due to your doctor’s backlogged schedule. If you are hospitalized, your doctor may not be available to coordinate your care.
At Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine we offer 24/7 access to your doctor. Urgent or routine visits are scheduled within a day. All appointments are at least 30 minutes, with annual Comprehensive Exams lasting over an hour. Doctors can be reached by cell phone and non-urgent questions can be addressed over email. You do not need to make an office visit just to talk with your doctor.
At Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine we offer 24/7 access to your doctor. Urgent or routine visits are scheduled within a day. All appointments are at least 30 minutes, with annual Comprehensive Exams lasting over an hour. Doctors can be reached by cell phone and non-urgent questions can be addressed over email. You do not need to make an office visit just to talk with your doctor.
Q. Is this a type of insurance plan?
No, this is simply a medical practice model that allows you to see your doctor without the restrictions or complications often associated with insurance companies.
Q. Do I still need medical insurance if I join?
Absolutely. We are not an insurer and our practice is not meant to replace your health insurance. We simply allow you to have access to quality medical care without the complications associated with traditional insurance. Your insurance can still help you cover costs of things like specialist visits, hospitalizations, labs, x-rays and other fees that typically arise outside of our office and to help cover the cost of medical services provided by our practice that are not included in the annual membership fee (where permitted). Depending on your insurance, you may even be entitled to reimbursement for the value of services we provide that are included in your membership. Check with your insurer for details.
Q. How much does it cost?
Please call our office for current fee information.
Q. What does the professional fee cover?
The professional fee covers essentially all of the services that you would normally incur at your primary doctor’s office, which we provide to our members at no additional charge. This includes:
- Comprehensive annual exam and wellness review
- Pre-op exams
- Up to 10 office visits with a physician (routine visits with nurses, e.g. for flu vaccines or regular B12 shots, are not counted as office visits).
- Annual panel of lab work, including a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel and urinalysis
- Other routine lab tests, such as urinalysis and rapid streps during office vists, as needed.
- Routine office procedures, such as EKGs, simple dermatologic procedures, B12 or joint injections and flu vaccines
- Most important, 24/7 access to a doctor who knows you
- Comprehensive annual exam and wellness review
- Pre-op exams
- Up to 10 office visits with a physician (routine visits with nurses, e.g. for flu vaccines or regular B12 shots, are not counted as office visits).
- Annual panel of lab work, including a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel and urinalysis
- Other routine lab tests, such as urinalysis and rapid streps during office vists, as needed.
- Routine office procedures, such as EKGs, simple dermatologic procedures, B12 or joint injections and flu vaccines
- Most important, 24/7 access to a doctor who knows you
Q. Will I be billed for any additional services?
The membership fee covers all services we provide. There are no additional charges, except if you need more than ten office visits with a physician in a year. In that case, there is a $50.00 per visit charge.
Q. If I sign up for one doctor, can I still see the other if the need arises?
Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson work together and share a very similar dedication to their patients. In the event that a patient’s private doctor is not available, the other will assist. Where appropriate, Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson will consult with each other regarding a patient’s care.
Q. What if I have an emergency after office hours?
Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson are each available to their private patients by cell phone after hours. Each will provide coverage to the other’s patients during vacations.
Q. What if I need to see a specialist?
When necessary, your doctor will personally coordinate your referral to the appropriate specialist best able to address your medical condition. Your personal doctor will also monitor your progress while under a specialist’s care.
Q. What if I need to be hospitalized?
Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson have staff privileges at Frederick Health Hospital. Both can assist with coordination of care during a patient’s hospitalization at Frederick Health Hospital. In the event a patient is admitted to an outside hospital your doctor will be available to facilitate communication between specialists and discharge planning.
Q. I’m covered by Medicare. Can I still join the practice?
You can join the practice, but Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson have opted out of Medicare, so Medicare will not cover any portion of our fees for membership or additional services (and Medicare requires our patients to sign a document acknowledging that they agree to a private relationship with Mid Maryland Internal Medicine). Your Medicare coverage with all other doctors, hospitals and facilities remains intact and is not affected by this waiver.
Q. I’m covered by an HMO. Can I still join the practice?
Yes. However, if you belong to an HMO, a doctor in that HMO’s network must act as your Primary Care Provider (PCP) for required approvals and referrals. You may still join as long as you understand that for the purposes of your HMO, Drs. Henderson or Afrookteh cannot act as your PCP, nor will they cover the cost of the professional fee. Further, invoices cannot be submitted to your HMO for reimbursement.
Q. I’m in a PPO. Can I still join the practice?
Yes. While you will be responsible for the annual professional fee, you may be able to submit bills to your insurance company for reimbursement. Since Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson are not affiliated with any insurance companies, any reimbursement you receive is yours to keep. For insurance purposes Drs. Afrookteh and Henderson are considered “out of network” physicians. Reimbursement levels are determined by your particular policy and may be subject to an annual deductible.
Q. How do I submit to my insurance provider for possible reimbursement?
At each appointment, you will be given an itemized invoice for all services rendered which represents the reasonable value of the services provided. If your insurance company permits it, you can then submit a claim to your insurance company for possible reimbursement after you have met any out-of-network deductible.
Q. If I receive any reimbursement from my insurance company for services you provide, who does it belong to?
Any reimbursement received from your insurance company for services we render belongs to you.
Q. If I receive any reimbursement from my insurance company for services you provide, who does it belong to?
Any reimbursement received from your insurance company for services we render belongs to you.